The 'Uncommitted' movement, born during the Democratic primaries in opposition to the Biden administration's stance on the Gaza conflict, announced on Thursday that it will not be endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. This decision came after Harris once again dismissed activists advocating for a cessation of US military aid to Israel and an immediate ceasefire.
Leaders of the 'Uncommitted' movement cautioned against supporting former President Donald Trump, citing concerns that his policies could escalate violence in Gaza and suppress anti-war efforts. They also discouraged backing a third-party candidate, fearing it could inadvertently benefit Trump in crucial swing states.
Michigan, a pivotal state in the upcoming election, is expected to witness a closely contested race. Pro-Palestinian activists in the state have expressed discontent over US support for Israel's military actions in Gaza, which were initiated in response to attacks by Hamas on October 7 and have resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians.
The 'Uncommitted' leaders emphasized that their decision not to endorse Harris means that allied organizers will not actively promote her candidacy leading up to the election. They criticized Harris for maintaining an unwavering stance on unconditional weapons support and failing to make a clear statement in favor of upholding human rights laws.
Furthermore, the group condemned Harris' campaign for allegedly seeking support from Dick Cheney, a Republican figure known for his role in the Iraq War, while sidelining anti-war voices. The Cheneys recently endorsed Harris for president.
The announcement was made prior to a Harris campaign event with Oprah Winfrey in the Detroit suburbs, a region with a significant Arab American population. Michigan witnessed over 100,000 'uncommitted' ballots cast in the February Democratic primary as a message to Biden.
Leaders of the 'Uncommitted' movement, including former Hill staffer Abbas Alawieh and Missouri Rep. Cori Bush, had requested a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention but were denied by party officials. They staged a sit-in protest outside the convention venue and later urged Harris to meet with Palestinian American families in Michigan, a request that they claim went unaddressed by the campaign.
