That Campaign Accuses Harris of Supporting ‘Genocide’ in Gaza
Biden-Harris Administration Needs to Allow Israel to Do the Job of Finishing Hamas: Rep. Byron Donalds
The political winds have once again shifted as the Abandon Biden campaign revamps itself, this time honing in on Vice President Kamala Harris in crucial swing states. This reinvigorated effort aims to rally Muslim-Americans and their allies against Harris, citing her alleged support for what they term ‘genocide’ in Gaza.
Last week, the campaign raised its voice on X, sharing how it plans to escalate efforts in key regions to rally support against the Harris-Walz ticket. ‘This action is a direct response to Kamala Harris’ support for the ongoing genocide in Gaza,’ the statement declared.
From its roots in Dearborn, Michigan—a city with a significant Muslim population—the movement initially targeted President Biden’s reelection bid, arguing that Biden’s steadfast support for Israel demanded a forceful community response. The surge of activism also intertwined with the ‘Vote Uncommitted’ movement, successfully mobilizing over 100,000 voters to remain uncommitted during Michigan’s primary.
Biden’s unexpected exit from the race in July, propelling Harris to the forefront, seemed momentarily to be a window of opportunity for reconciliation. Yet, without Harris fully addressing their concerns, tensions have persisted.
‘We are not interested in hollow rhetoric, empty platitudes, or shallow calls for a ceasefire while the Biden-Harris administration continues to send weapons to Israel,’ the campaign emphasized. ‘Words without meaningful action are meaningless, and the continued complicity in these atrocities will not be tolerated.’
The campaign, having already stretched its influence from Michigan to Wisconsin—two razor-thin margin swing states from previous elections—continues to make waves. Both states have swung based on slight biases in earlier presidential races, making this demographic’s potential sway in November’s election a crucial factor.
Professor Hassan Abdel Salam, the founder of Abandon Biden, addresses a small gathering of pro-Palestinian activists outside a Biden campaign rally in Detroit on July 12, 2024. The protest underscored the group’s disapproval of the administration’s support for Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The latest Real Clear Politics Polling shows Harris with narrow leads: 1.1 points in Michigan and 1.4 points in Wisconsin. The campaign’s influence is not limited to these areas; they have also had success in states like Minnesota during the primaries. Despite not aligning with former President Donald Trump’s campaign, Abandon Harris encourages its supporters to vote against ‘genocide’ and potentially back third-party candidates.
‘At this time, we have not endorsed any specific third-party candidate,’ the campaign clarified, but promised prompt announcements should this change.
Demonstrators from the Abandon Biden group hold signs in Saginaw, Michigan, in protest of President Joe Biden’s visit on March 14, 2024.
‘Abandon Biden, now Abandon Harris, will not cede a single inch,’ the statement continued. ‘We remain firm and steadfast in our mission to defeat a party complicit in the Israeli operations in Gaza.’
When contacted, a spokesperson for Abandon Harris shared that they had attempted outreach to Harris post-Biden’s withdrawal, offering dialogue. However, after a month’s wait and a botched rally in Michigan, where Harris inadvertently revealed her stance on the Gaza protests, they launched Abandon Harris on August 19.
Despite their criticisms, they don’t endorse Trump. ‘We remember Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and his stance during Gaza’s Great March of Return,’ added the spokesperson. The organization consistently urges voters not to support either major party but stresses that abstaining from voting is not an option.
The Harris campaign has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Final Thoughts
In the complex theater of American politics, where every vote can swing the balance, the Abandon Biden, now Abandon Harris, campaign underscores a significant demographic’s discontent. Whether their efforts lead to tangible change or merely ruffle feathers will unfold as November approaches. One thing’s for certain: the landscape of voter activism is as dynamic and unpredictable as ever.
