The President's oversight was met with particular dismay given the state's significant Middle Eastern and North African population, which has traditionally leaned Democratic.
Dearborn's Democratic Mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, revealed that the White House did not extend any communication to him ahead of Biden's visit to Saginaw. Hammoud also underscored the local Arab American and Muslim community's desire for tangible policy changes rather than further discussions with Biden's administration.
March 16, 2024
"The perspective of the community is dialogue for the sake of dialogue is really not meaningful. What we’re looking for is for action, because lip service doesn’t really get you anywhere," Hammoud stated, as per NBC News. He further noted, "We’ve seen now a change of tone where the president recognizes Palestinian suffering, but what we want are actual concrete steps that are taken to reduce that Palestinian suffering."
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The leaders' dissatisfaction reportedly stems from the U.S. government's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Biden's campaign had indicated that the visit was intended to underscore the divergence of his policies from those of his predecessor, Donald Trump, particularly on economic issues.
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Despite efforts to keep the location of the event confidential to avert disruptions, protests ensued. The "Abandon Biden" campaign, spearheaded by activists such as Khalid Turaani, lambasted Biden's management of the Gaza conflict. According to the outlet, attempts by White House and campaign officials to engage with Arab American and Muslim leaders in January and February were insufficient. The community leaders' demands reportedly encompassed a more assertive U.S. position on an immediate ceasefire and conditional military aid to Israel.
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Turaani, a former Biden supporter, expressed his disappointment with the President's handling of the situation in Gaza. "I voted for Biden; I had a Biden sign in my front yard, actually. And I am now the co-chair of the Abandon Biden campaign. So is that on me or is that on Joe Biden?" Turaani questioned, as reported by NBC News. He added, "I think Joe Biden’s total failure to address the humanitarian crisis, the genocide that is going on in Gaza, is really a war crime."
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Despite these hurdles, the Biden administration has continued its outreach efforts, with senior officials meeting with community leaders in Chicago. An individual privy to the details of these meetings disclosed that officials listened to community leaders discuss the Gaza conflict and the rise of Islamophobia in the U.S. openly. However, not all invitees attended the meeting.
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The Israel-Gaza war's global and domestic implications have posed a significant challenge for Biden, particularly given Michigan's large Middle Eastern and North African population. As Ramadan commences, the lack of a ceasefire agreement has reportedly exacerbated these tensions.
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