A new coalition, Arab Americans for Harris Waltz, was launched Thursday and worked to unite key demographics of support for Vice President Harris in the run-up to Election Day.
The coalition is targeting Arab American voters, including some who previously joined a dedicated campaign against President Biden during the Democratic primary over his handling of the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza. announced that they represent a wide range of groups.
“We come to you as fellow Arabs, many of us once non-voters, asking you to join us in our efforts for progress. Almost a month before the elections, We now make our choice clear: This November, we support Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz,” the coalition said in a memo to Arab Americans.
The group praised the vice president's office for inviting Phil Gordon, Harris's national security adviser, to join her. meet virtually Wednesday with Arab, Muslim and Palestinian Americans.
He also noted that Muslim advocacy group Emgage Action plans to hold an event with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) to discuss concerns from the community with voters. The Harris campaign confirmed that Walz will participate virtually in the event.
The group is working to shore up support for Harris after a new poll released by the Arab American Institute on Wednesday showed former President Trump leading the way among voters. There is. A perfect 46 of the voters surveyed said they supported Mr. Trump, and 42% said they supported Ms. Harris.
Democrats typically have a 2-1 advantage among Arab Americans in elections., And the latest poll shows that in the 2020 election, when six out of 10 Arab Americans voted for the Democratic Party, Harris had an 18-point lead over Biden's support among Arab Americans. did.
But the coalition argued Thursday that a potential Trump administration would be worse for Arab Americans than a Biden administration amid ongoing wars in the Middle East.
“We cannot allow Donald Trump, who is definitely not our ally, to take advantage of our suffering today to return to the White House, where he will further incite violence and war in Gaza and across the Middle East. “His policies will only exacerbate the struggles and dangers facing our communities today,” the group said. “Together, we can protect our future from the clutches of anti-Arab bigots like Donald Trump and ensure our voices are heard, our values are respected, and our communities are prioritized. You can build your future.”
Support for the Democratic Party among Arab Americans has declined after Biden's consistent support for Israel following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Harris aligns with Biden in her unwavering support for Israel.
Biden was angered by his handling of the war in the Democratic primary, where tens of thousands of voters cast irresponsible votes in Michigan and protests against the president were also cast in other states.
The war in the Middle East has since escalated, with Iran launching a missile attack on Israel this week. Harris expressed support for ensuring Israel has the ability to defend itself.
