CHICAGO: In the recent Democratic presidential primary in Wisconsin, Arab and Muslim American voters showcased their dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s policies, particularly regarding his stance on Israel during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The election saw a notable decline in support for Biden, with nearly 8.3% of voters casting an “uninstructed” vote instead of choosing between Biden and his challenger, Dean Phillips. This trend reflects the growing influence of the #AbandonBiden movement, which has been gaining traction since October 2023.
The #AbandonBiden movement, spearheaded by Arab and Muslim American campaigners, focuses on advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and aims to influence the Democratic Party’s platform on the issue. By organizing efforts across swing states like Wisconsin, the movement has been successful in mobilizing voters to express their discontent with Biden’s policies. This strategic approach has resulted in a significant number of voters opting for an “uninstructed” vote, signaling their dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Arab American leaders, including Hassan Abdel Salam and Abed Ayoub, view the high number of “uninstructed” votes as a powerful message to President Biden. They believe that the outcome of the primary reflects a broader sentiment among Arab and Muslim American communities, highlighting their concerns about Biden’s handling of issues related to the Middle East.
Moreover, similar trends have been observed in other Democratic primaries, including those in Connecticut and Rhode Island, where a considerable number of voters chose “uncommitted” over Biden. This indicates a growing protest vote against Biden among Arab and Muslim Americans, which could have significant implications for his reelection prospects in the upcoming presidential election in November.
While Biden has already secured the Democratic Party nomination for president, the anti-Biden sentiment among Arab and Muslim American voters could pose challenges for his reelection campaign, especially in swing states where his victory margins were narrow in the 2020 presidential election. The discontent expressed by these voters underscores the importance of addressing their concerns and engaging with their communities to secure their support in the upcoming election.
