In a significant blow to Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign, the Uncommitted National Movement, a pro-Palestinian group, announced that it will not endorse her presidential bid. The group, which emerged in opposition to President Biden's policies during the Israel-Hamas conflict, expressed dissatisfaction with Harris’s refusal to address its demands, specifically regarding U.S. military support for Israel.
The movement has urged its supporters not to vote for Donald Trump or third-party candidates, fearing such actions could inadvertently boost Trump’s chances in swing states.
BREAKING: In a shocking leak, Donald Trump just told the leaders of Project 2025 that his most exciting work with them lies ahead. Donald Trump is openly admitting he will implement Project 2025. Retweet so all Americans see this.pic.twitter.com/mACLE3Kj6R
— Kamala’s Wins (@harris_wins) September 20, 2024
The Uncommitted National Movement, founded earlier this year, gained attention when it mobilized over 700,000 voters to leave their ballots “uncommitted” during Democratic primaries. The protest primarily stemmed from frustration with Biden’s unwavering support for Israel amid the Gaza war. Harris, who has maintained a similar stance, has drawn ire from the group for her reluctance to modify the U.S. arms policy toward Israel, despite ongoing humanitarian concerns. The movement sought a meeting with Harris by mid-September to discuss these issues, but the vice president did not respond, leading to the group’s decision to withhold an endorsement.
Harris’s stance has left her vulnerable in key battleground states, especially Michigan, where the Uncommitted Movement has a strong presence. The state, with its significant Arab-American and Muslim populations, has been a focal point for the group’s efforts. The vice president’s refusal to engage more substantively on Middle Eastern humanitarian issues could hurt her campaign among these constituencies, as political analysts have noted. In Michigan, Harris’s lack of outreach to these voters could have a direct impact on her performance in a state that played a pivotal role in previous elections.
Kamala Harris: Donald Trump says that he would personally cast his vote in Florida to support their extreme abortion ban..
Audience member: Felons can’t vote! pic.twitter.com/0LzjHvtn7N
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 20, 2024
Despite withholding its endorsement, the movement remains staunchly opposed to Trump, whom it accuses of exacerbating violence in Gaza and suppressing anti-war activism. Trump’s policies regarding Israel, including his administration’s strong alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have alarmed many within the Uncommitted Movement. Group leaders emphasized that their opposition to Trump is rooted in his dangerous foreign policy track record, which they believe could lead to further instability in the region.
While the movement also rejected the idea of supporting third-party candidates, it did so out of concern that such votes might siphon off support from Democrats, thus enabling Trump to win critical swing states. Leaders of the movement urged their supporters to continue advocating for peace and justice but advised against casting votes that could help Trump return to the White House.
Harris’s campaign, for its part, has tried to mitigate the fallout by pointing to endorsements from other Arab and Muslim American leaders. Campaign spokespersons highlighted her commitment to ending the Gaza conflict in a way that ensures both Israeli security and Palestinian dignity. Additionally, Harris’s team noted that efforts were made to engage with Arab American leaders during her recent visits to Michigan and other swing states.
Nevertheless, the lack of an endorsement from the Uncommitted National Movement underscores the challenges Harris faces in uniting the Democratic base. With a deeply divided electorate, especially on issues of foreign policy, Harris’s ability to rally key voting blocs in states like Michigan could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the 2024 election.
