Former Obama official Van Jones warned on Thursday that Biden’s “challenge” will be to win back the trust of young, Arab and Muslim voters who oppose their support for Israel during the Gaza war.
President Biden is facing an election revolt among Michigan’s Arab and Muslim voters enraged by his continued support for Israel, with some accusing him of enabling genocide. Arab Americans in Michigan have traditionally been reliable Democratic supporters, and in 2020 Biden won more than 75% of the vote in the Arab-majority city of Dearborn. But that voting bloc is now under threat, with some members of the community campaigning to “abandon Biden in protest of Biden’s response to Israel’s retaliatory war in Gaza.”
Thursday night’s episode of CNN’s Erin Burnett Outfront focused on Biden’s attempt to win back the trust of Arab American voters by visiting Michigan in person. In addition to students voting for the first time, the special features a former field organizer for Biden’s campaign who said he would never vote for the president again, considering him complicit in the deaths of Palestinians.
AOC reacts to Biden being labeled ‘Massacre Joe’ by far left: ‘Young people are appalled’
CNN political commentator Van Jones offers his thoughts on President Biden’s relationship with Arab and Muslim voters amid the Gaza war. (CNN)
Asked if he was concerned whether such a move would lead to former President Donald Trump’s re-election, a former Biden campaign staffer said, “It probably will.” I don’t see much difference between the presidents. ”
Mr. Burnett turned to Mr. Jones and asked him about a former campaign staffer who opposed Mr. Biden over his foreign policy in Gaza. Burnett recalled telling a CNN reporter in Michigan, “I will never vote for Biden again, even if I know it might help Trump,” adding that Biden “is not someone I can trust.” ” he said. Van, how big of an issue is this for Biden right now? ”
Young people slam cease-fire stance as ‘Massacre Joe’: Biden is ‘absolutely disgusting’
“That’s a big problem for him right now,” Jones replied. “There are four syllables for him: ‘Genocide Joe.'” That’s what we’re hearing from young people, young voters in the Arab-American community. ”
Demonstrators could also be seen waving placards that read things like “Kill Joe” and “Joe, we did it, we financed the Palestinian genocide.” (Peter Garber/Fox News)
Biden added that it is possible to turn things around, but it will take serious effort.
“I think he can turn things around, but he has to be honest right now. There will be disappointment on the base with his response to the war in Gaza,” Jones said. “The reality is that Joe Biden has deep ties and long friendships with the Muslim community, the Arab community. There is.”
An anti-Israel sign with the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” The phrase has been criticized as a call for Israel’s destruction. (Credit: Ryan Zamos)
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Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report
