Vice President Kamala Harris is receiving backlash over the Biden administration’s response to Israel’s war in Gaza despite apparent attempts to quell dissent.
During a campaign speech on Wednesday in Michigan, a key swing state which has the largest American-Arab population the U.S., Harris was repeatedly heckled by pro-Palestinian protesters.
The chants of “Kamala, Kamala you can’t hide! We won’t vote for genocide” from some sections of the crowd eventually led Harris to respond.
“You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking,” she said.
The incident was the first major public criticism aimed at Harris over the U.S.’ support of Israel during its war against the Palestinian military group Hamas since she replaced President Joe Biden as the head of the Democratic Party‘s 2024 ticket.
Biden was frequently attacked for his response to Israel’s war in Gaza, and there were suggestions he was losing the support of young and progressive voters in his now ended 2024 bid because of it.
There had been indications that Harris was attempting to avoid similar criticisms knowing she would be the Democratic Party’s 2024 candidate.
Prior to Wednesday’s campaign rally in Detroit, Harris met with members of Uncommitted National Movement, a campaign group that urged voters to support “uncommitted” on Democratic primary ballots rather than voting for Biden in protest of Israel’s war in Gaza. More than 100,000 uncommitted votes were cast in February’s Democratic primary in Michigan.
Layla Elabed, founder of the group, said she told Harris at the meeting: “Michigan voters want to support you, but we need a policy that will save lives in Gaza right now. I meet with community members every day in Michigan who are losing tens and hundreds of family members in Gaza. Right now, we need an arms embargo.”
In late July, when Harris was the new presumptive 2024 Democratic candidate, the vice president met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a statement, Harris also used emotive language and was more direct about Palestinian suffering, saying she will not be “silent” about the “images of dead children” seen amid the war. Harris also said she had “serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians.”
A number of social media users are attacking Harris over the war in Gaza, as well as her response to the pro-Palestinian protest at the Detroit rally.
Nathan J. Robinson, political commentator and editor-in-chief of the left-wing progressive Current Affairs magazine, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “So far there are no signs whatsoever that Harris will stop the ongoing crimes against Palestine.
“Those concerned with stopping these crimes have to put pressure on Harris and [running mate Tim] Walz to make real commitments and not just occasionally lament civilian deaths.”
Law professor Amer Zahr posted: “To be clear, there is still ZERO evidence that Harris’ policy on Palestine will diverge from Biden’s at all.
“If anything, all we know is that it will be the same policy, with more energy, 25 years younger, and accompanied by a lot more laughter.”
Writer Lon Harris added: “Ehhhhh… actually… I DON’T think she should give Palestine protesters the ‘OH YOU LOVE TRUMP?!’ treatment. They’re expressing legit concerns about a GENOCIDE.
“Harris has a real chance here to strike a different tone on Gaza and she’s just… not…”
Harris’ team has been contacted for comment via email.
Ehhhhh… actually… I DON’T think she should give Palestine protesters the “OH YOU LOVE TRUMP?!” treatment. They’re expressing legit concerns about a GENOCIDE. Harris has a real chance here to strike a different tone on Gaza and she’s just… not… https://t.co/mdAUsR1rTE
— Lon Harris (@Lons) August 8, 2024
However, a number of people have hit out at those who are still attacking Harris despite the vice president voicing her disapproval of the war and actively calling for a ceasefire.
Others noted that the objections arrived after some pro-Palestinian activists called on Harris not to choose Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate. Shapiro is Jewish and a vocal Israel supporter, and has frequently defended Israel’s right to defend itself amid the war.
Prominent blogger Matthew Yglesias, posted on X: “This is not per se a knock on Tim Walz but it’s striking that the pro-Palestine movement could not stick to the terms of the ‘give us Tim Walz or we will dedicate 100% of our effort to electing Trump even though we concede he is worse on our key issue’ deal for one day.
“The ask never made any sense because Walz, Harris, Shapiro, and Biden all have similar views on Israel but it is in fact an ask that was made only for the people who made it to immediately confirm that there’s no sense in trying to bargain with them.”
Former political pollster Adam Carlson added: “In case it wasn’t already abundantly clear, nothing will ever be enough for them. The goal posts will keep moving regardless, and they are not worth anyone’s time, attention, or energy.”
In a statement released in the wake of the meeting with leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement group, Harris’ team said: “In this brief engagement, she reaffirmed that her campaign will continue to engage with those communities.
“The Vice President has been clear: she will always work to ensure Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups. The Vice President is focused on securing the ceasefire and hostage deal currently on the table.
“As she has said, it is time for this war to end in a way where: Israel is secure, hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinian civilians ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination.”
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