Michigan has always been an important state, or state to watch during primaries for a variety of reasons. It's a swing state, an early primary date in the election calendar, and recently, because of its high Middle Eastern North African (MENA) population. While other equally important things happened in the recent Michigan primaries (Nikki Haley’s Campaign) I want to focus on Michigan’s MENA population.
In the context of the ongoing conflict in Palestine/Israel, the MENA population in Michigan has grown more important.
Mr. Biden won Michigan in 2020 by 150,000 votes. There were 100,000 uncommitted voters in Michigan, mainly because of Biden’s policy in Gaza.
We have no right to tell MENA (Middle Eastern North African) people how to feel about an ongoing genocide. Witnessing members of one’s community being killed every day is enough to make someone not want to support a president, and we have to understand that Biden cannot win without the support of MENA in Michigan.
While in office, it is crucial to consider critiques raised by some minorities, who constitute a significant portion of his voter base, regarding various aspects of President Biden's policies and actions. Biden could not codify Roe v. Wade, he was largely responsible for cop city in Atlanta, and the removal of affirmative action happened under his presidency. Yes, some good things did indeed come during his presidency, such as student debt forgiveness, but that is largely due to the democratic party having a leader, it wouldn't matter which Democrat would be in office for that bill to pass. The president is not a monarch.
This should be a wake-up call to all voters to be more civically active at the local level, as much as they are on the national/presidential level. The organization of 13% of Michigan’s voters to vote uncommitted is enough for Biden to change his policy towards Gaza, however little. The organization of the uncommitted voters in Michigan is proof that change can only effectively start from the grassroots.
Sources:
Photo: Pete Marovich for The New York Times
https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/02/28/uncommitted-votes-meaning-michigan/
4 comments:
I agree with your analysis that the large population of MENA people in Michigan led to the uncommitted votes for Biden during the primaries. These events go to show that people do care about and follow the policies that Presidents advocate for. While I don't believe this will lead voters to turn and start voting for Trump, as his policies are also controversial, it may lead to more inaction by Democrat voters. Since there is a decreasing amount of political participation, turnout and third option voting, like for "uncommitted" or "none of these candidates," is becoming more of a problem. This trend leads to less of a democratic election process (as some people's voices have more weight than others) and more radical candidates who are able to stimulate voters to vote. I agree that these events emphasize the importance of political participation and grassroots movements for changes in policy.
I agree with what you have said about the importance of Michigan as a swing state and the importance of their support. I also agree that this shows that policies presidents support do matter and especially with the population of MENA voters, it puts pressure on Biden to change some of its policy. However, I see what Carole is saying because I don't think it would cause people to chose Trump over Biden, rather to maybe just have less people showing up to vote (which is a whole separate problem itself).
I think it's so important to shed light on this issue, especially given the power of the press and it's role in bringing issues to the debate floor. However, to echo Katie and Carole, this might simply deter people from voting in general. That being said, even expressing or vocalizing a preference for Trump might help push Biden to support at least a ceasefire-- we know now that, amidst the upcoming election, he has supported a ceasefire, which I think highlights the power of the press. And with the well-publicized activism on college campuses, I think that the issue of a ceasefire in Gaza will be more and more a defining policy concern in the upcoming election.
i think you really emphasized on the important role of Michigans MENA population in shaping the political dynamics especially with Biden's stance on Gaza. it compellingly argues for the power of grassroots mobilization as demonstrated by the significant number of the uncommitted voters. while the critiques of Biden's policies are valid, its essential to acknowledge the complexities of the government. However the increased civic engagement and activism is strong. it is a reminder that democracy is diverse voices are heard and when citizens actively participate in shaping their political views.
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