Clare embodies Trump fervor.
So do Wexford, Antrim, and Roscommon.
These rural outposts in Michigan rallied behind Donald Trump, casting their votes two-to-one over Joe Biden in the 2020 Presidential election.
Ultimately, Biden clinched Michigan with 50.6% to Trump’s 47.8%. Trump had previously captured the state in 2016, while Barack Obama had done so before him. This state teeters on the edge, a fierce battleground between the two major parties, still as contentious as ever.
As for Kamala Harris, she’s aiming to secure votes in southeastern urban and suburban areas.
But she faces a significant challenge that goes by the name of Gaza.
Michigan boasts the largest Arab-American population in the United States. Many arrived seeking opportunities in the automotive sector, pivotal around Detroit—familiarly known as “Motor City.”
The heart of this community lies in Dearborn, the birthplace of Ford Motor Company.
Traditionally, this demographic leans Democrat; however, the current upheaval in the Middle East has ignited a sense of outrage, motivating protests against the Biden-Harris administration’s backing of Israel.
During the Democratic Primary in February, while Biden still bore the crown as candidate, he surprisingly fell to “Uncommitted” in Dearborn—a city of around 110,000. This was a write-in option for those dissatisfied with him and the other Democratic contenders, seeking a way to voice their dissent.
Incredibly, “Uncommitted” outperformed him 56% to 40%. It even garnered delegates heading to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, though they were denied speaking time. By then, Kamala Harris had emerged as the party’s nominee.
Now, with the conflict raging in Israel and Gaza for a year, tensions have spilled over into Lebanon.
“Supporting a supposed new Middle East through bombing my people? Absolutely not. My vote won’t endorse that.”
As smoke envelops the scene of an Israeli airstrike on Shiyah in Beirut from last month, we ventured into Dearborn to gauge the sentiment in a city where Lebanese families represent a vibrant part of the Arab community. This area could wield considerable sway in the nail-biting race for the presidency, and with it, the crucial 16 Electoral College votes of Michigan—one of the “Blue Wall” states.
At his Lebanese eatery, Sahara, we met Sam Hamoun. A Lebanese news channel buzzed on the television, streaming live updates from a darkened Beirut amidst ongoing airstrikes.
Reflecting on the current political landscape, Sam expressed for the first time in two decades his contemplation of abstaining from voting on November 5.
“I might just sit this one out. My family’s considering it too unless something shifts dramatically over the next few weeks,” he shared.
“We’re strongly leaning towards passing on this election because Trump isn’t advocating for a ceasefire. He claims, ‘none of this would have happened…’ If he were to say, ‘Elect me, and the war wraps up the following day,’ well, he’d have my vote.”
“Kamala? Forget it. She’s bankrolling genocide, support for countries far from the US. She talks about transforming the Middle East. Transforming by bombing my people? My vote won’t back that.”
Sam’s 79-year-old father, who built their family legacy in the States, currently remains trapped in Lebanon, stranded after an airstrike ravaged his Beirut home.
“As a US citizen, he’s just one among the 89,000 waiting for a flight out. We just want him back home.”
In discussing alternative voting options, he stated his intention to back the Green Party. “Even if they don’t win, I want to send a signal.”
Stories like his are common in tight-knit communities like Dearborn or Gaza, where personal connections to the conflict are ever-present, prompting a palpable sense of urgency and concern.
Meanwhile, Republicans are strategically laying groundwork as the November showdown approaches.
Faye Nemer serves as Chief Executive of the Middle East and North Africa Chamber of Commerce in Dearborn. She recounted the harrowing loss faced by her cousin: “His six-year-old daughter and mother were killed in an Israeli attack on southern Lebanon. We’re supporting him as he navigates the horrifying aftermath. He’s currently battling for his life in the hospital.”
Faye highlighted grassroots movements within the Arab and Muslim communities rallying for a protest vote. “Many folks from our community are either skipping the Presidential ballot or opting for the Green Party.”
Her insights revealed a growing frustration with the bipartisan system in place, which many feel has neglected their voices. “They believe the Democratic Party has failed to uphold its commitments regarding the Arab agenda promised to President Biden back in 2020. There’s been little meaningful outreach from Harris to address the escalating violence in the Middle East.”
“Instead, we’ve seen an increase in hostilities spilling over into surrounding nations.”
Tima Maloum, a business consultant, echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of casting a meaningful vote: “Voting for the Green Party is a protest against the negligence of the major parties regarding Arab-Americans and Muslims. I was once a Democrat supporter.”
“Voting third party isn’t about winning; it’s about sending a message. More people need to understand how our votes can influence outcomes.”
Some experts suggest Jill Stein’s 2016 candidacy diverted enough support from Hillary Clinton, costing her Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania—the core of the “Blue Wall”—and ultimately the presidency.
“We need to illustrate our dissatisfaction with both parties. Neither aligns with what the populace desires.”
Trump’s success margin in Michigan was notably slim and fell below Stein’s vote count in 2016. Although she opted out of the 2020 race, enabling Biden to seize a narrower victory, with her return, there’s potential for a concerted effort to channel protest votes centered on the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, with backing from various demographics.
Even a couple percentage points could sway the election in Michigan.
So, why not simply cast a vote for Donald Trump, I inquired?
“Choosing Trump just means supporting another candidate I don’t care for. It’s not about aligning with one or the other. It’s about voicing that neither is the solution we are after.”
I pressed, “As a former Democrat, are you not concerned that supporting the Green Party could inadvertently aid Trump’s chances?”
“Irrespective of what choice we make, one of them will win, that’s clear. So my main focus isn’t about creating a path for Trump or Harris to win. It’s about amplifying a message.”
On the other hand, Trump does have supporters among Arab-Americans. Albert Abbas, a fellow restaurateur focusing on modern American cuisine, stated, “I’d prefer to risk a Trump presidency over Kamala’s. Actions speak volumes. With Trump, we had four years free of new conflicts.”
“I’m inclined to give him a pass this time, rather than gamble on Kamala, who I fear could lead us into dire straits.”
Albert generally aligns with Republican views on numerous social and economic issues. Yet, he also recognizes a pervasive sentiment within his community that feels sidelined in the political discourse. “We feel voiceless. One party suggests we return to our roots while the other may offer us a spot at the table, but only if we stay silent.”
“Even with the Democratic Party, they’ve assigned us seats in local, state, and federal forums, but the representatives we rely on fail to elevate Arab American concerns, particularly regarding our homelands and fundamental human rights. It seems our voices have been muted.”
“Within the Republican Party, there’s a tendency to misinterpret individual Arab American experiences, especially Muslims, wrongly linking us with Christian communities globally. Yet, Western media cultivates a negative image that often leaves us feeling alienated.”
“So here we linger, uncertain. Should we lean Democratic and keep enduring the situation in the Middle East, which tragically is my family’s reality? Or should we turn to the Republicans? Personally, I’m likely to give the Republican route a shot—at this point, how could it get worse?”
With a vibrant Muslim community of around 240,000, widespread discontent among Black voters regarding the Middle East’s dire situation, and concerns among auto industry workers about the switch to electric vehicles, it’s clear why the candidates are pouring resources into this state. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
