Vice President Kamala Harris' decision to campaign alongside former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney in Michigan has sparked controversy and backlash within the Arab American community in the swing state.
Cheney, known for her family's association with the Iraq War due to her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, has faced criticism from Arab Americans for her role in advocating for the conflict in the Middle East.
During a recent town hall event in Royal Oak, Cheney joined Harris in urging moderate Republicans to support the Vice President, emphasizing her conservative values and commitment to defending the Constitution.
However, the partnership between Harris and Cheney has not been well-received by some members of the Arab American community in Michigan. Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib expressed disappointment and concern over Cheney's presence, citing the painful memories of war crimes in the Middle East associated with her family name.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi echoed similar sentiments, describing the decision to bring Cheney to Michigan as 'disgusting' and highlighting the lack of peace within the Cheney family.
The backlash from the Arab American community underscores Harris' challenges in connecting with this critical voting bloc in Michigan. The Vice President has faced criticism over her handling of issues related to the Middle East, with some community leaders expressing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's policies.
As the election in Michigan tightens, with recent polls showing former President Donald Trump gaining ground, Harris' alliance with Cheney may further alienate members of the Muslim community. Ghalib and Bazzi, both of whom have endorsed Trump, believe that Harris' decision to campaign with Cheney could hurt her chances in the state.
The evolving dynamics of the Michigan race, now categorized as a toss-up, highlight the complexities of appealing to diverse voter groups in a closely contested election. Harris' efforts to secure additional support by partnering with Cheney may have unintended consequences, particularly among communities with deep-rooted concerns about U.S. foreign policy.
