Michigan Congresswoman Stands Apart in Endorsement

Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib didn’t back Kamala Harris at a Detroit union rally, where the war in Gaza is a big issue for Arab American voters. Tlaib, the first Palestinian American in Congress, is the only member of the progressive "Squad" who hasn’t endorsed Harris. The other three – Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – supported her in July. Tlaib encouraged voters to use their power to fight against corporate greed. Her decision not to endorse Harris comes as a survey shows that 43% of Muslim American voters favor Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Democrats worry that this could cause a repeat of the 2016 election, where votes for Stein helped Donald Trump win Michigan and Wisconsin.

Earlier this year, around 100, 000 Michigan voters left their ballots "uncommitted" to protest the Biden administration's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in many deaths, with Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon causing significant civilian casualties. The U. S. continues to support Israel, despite criticism. Tlaib has criticized the Democratic Party for not including a Palestinian American speaker at their convention. She feels that the party values Israeli children more than Palestinian ones. She also mentioned that both parties ignore the trauma and pain of Palestinian people. Harris faces protests over her stance on Israel. She believes Israel has the right to defend itself, but also wants Palestinians to have dignity and security. At a rally, Tlaib criticized Donald Trump, who has been endorsed by Muslim mayors in Michigan.

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