Arab American Disenchantment: The Shift in Political Allegiance Towards Trump

Abbas Alawieh and other Arab American activists in Dearborn, Michigan, reflect on their disappointment with Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party following significant electoral losses to Donald Trump. Their frustrations stem from perceived neglect by Democratic leadership regarding U.S. foreign policy toward Israel and Palestine. This situation underscores a growing divide between the party and its traditional base, prompting discussions about future political engagement and strategies.

On election night, Abbas Alawieh, a Palestinian-American activist from Dearborn, Michigan, witnessed Donald Trump outperforming previous election results, contributing to his victory. As a lifelong Democrat and former chief of staff for Representative Cori Bush, Alawieh co-founded Listen to Michigan to encourage local voters to vote “uncommitted” in the Democratic primary in response to President Joe Biden’s unwavering support for Israel. Their efforts garnered over 100,000 votes, which they hoped would compel Biden to reassess his policies toward Gaza. Despite their actions, the movement expanded to include 30 uncommitted delegates at the Democratic National Convention, where Alawieh pushed for the representation of Palestinian Americans. His pleas were met with a frustrating dismissal from Democratic leadership, as they expressed no interest in empowering his community. “We were asking Democratic leadership to empower us,” Alawieh noted. The election results revealed Trump’s unprecedented success in Dearborn, a city recognized for its Arab-American population, and underscored the widening rift between Democratic leaders and their traditional base. Alawieh and others felt compelled to distill a complicated reality: both parties may overlook their needs, perpetuating feelings of disillusionment. As a result of Trump’s policies, many residents expressed uncertainty about their future. Alawieh shared personal fears reflecting his family’s turmoil in the ongoing conflict, stating, “People are very scared. The question they keep asking is, ‘Does this mean the bombs will stop?’” Meanwhile, Layla Elabed, a local anti-war leader, decided not to vote for Kamala Harris, citing a lack of responsiveness from the Democratic campaign. “You can’t claim to represent the values of your base and then ignore them,” she lamented, emphasizing the disconnect within the party’s leadership. James Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute, attributed Trump’s success to the Democratic Party’s disregard for constituents’ concerns. He criticized the party’s reliance on a “consultant class” prioritizing fundraising over addressing the needs of their political base. Zogby labeled the party’s approach in areas like Dearborn as “gutless,” observing Trump’s direct engagement with the community while questioning Democrats’ strategy. This shift in allegiance became apparent in the context of recent political events, with Republican messages gaining traction among Arab-American voters. Rola Makki, a Lebanese-American Republican official, expressed mixed feelings despite her candidate’s victory, grappling with the violence affecting her family in the Middle East. She noted that the political landscape had been shifting prior to the elections, as local voters increasingly felt empowered to express their discontent with Democratic policies. The ramifications of this election cycle extended beyond mere voter turnout as constituents within the Arab-American community began to reassess their political affiliations. The future of representation and unity among Arab Americans within the political landscape remains uncertain. Both Zogby and Elabed indicated that the foundation of political affiliation could shift back to the Democrats if they begin to recognize and address the grievances within their base. The excitement surrounding potential progressive candidates was balanced against a backdrop of lingering discontent and worry about the party’s direction moving forward.

The article analyzes the disenchantment of Arab Americans with the Democratic Party, particularly following the election results where Donald Trump achieved unexpected victories in historically Democratic regions. It examines the profound impact of U.S. foreign policy on local sentiments, especially regarding support for Israel amidst escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The article features voices from prominent activists who experienced firsthand disappointment with the party’s leadership and decisions during the election cycle, emphasizing the critical need for genuine engagement with historically marginalized communities.

In conclusion, the unexpected success of Donald Trump in traditionally Democratic strongholds such as Dearborn signals a critical juncture for the Democratic Party regarding its relationship with Arab American voters. Leaders within the community express disappointment and a sense of betrayal due to their perceived neglect by Democratic leadership. The dialogue following the election highlights the urgent need for the party to reconnect with grassroots concerns to maintain its base and remain competitive in future elections.

Original Source: slate.com