Donald Trump’s reelection didn’t just solidify his grip on conservative voters—it also intensified the anger and frustration of pro-Palestinian activists, particularly those within the Democratic Party. These activists, led by groups like the Uncommitted National Movement, had long warned that the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel’s actions in Gaza would alienate key voting blocs, particularly Arab American, Muslim, and young progressive communities.
As the election results rolled in, their concerns seemed to be validated. Arab American voters, alongside Black and Latino voters, had shifted toward Trump, signaling a growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. For many of these voters, it wasn’t just a matter of rejecting Trump—it was a deepening dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration’s policies.
In this post-election analysis, we’ll break down how Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, coupled with Democratic Party leaders’ failure to address Palestinian issues, ultimately played a significant role in the voting behaviour of these crucial communities.
The Disconnect Between the Democratic Party and Pro-Palestinian Voters
For months leading up to the election, activists like James Zogby, co-founder of the Arab American Institute, warned the Biden campaign about the risks of ignoring the voices of Arab Americans and Muslim voters. Zogby and others urged the party to scale back its support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, knowing that continued military aid and support for Israeli operations would drive a wedge between the Democrats and these voting groups.
“We told them that the impact of Gaza was going to be bigger than just the Arab community,” Zogby explained. “It’s why the turnout was lower in college areas and among young Black voters.” According to polling, Gaza had a real impact on turnout, and it was evident in key states like Michigan, where a large percentage of voters are of Arab descent.
In Michigan’s Dearborn, home to the largest Arab American population in the U.S., Trump’s vote share grew significantly compared to 2020. Despite Biden’s previous dominance there, the numbers told a different story in 2024. Trump garnered 42% of the vote, while Biden’s support dipped to 36%. The Green Party’s Jill Stein saw nearly 20% of the vote, a further indication of disillusionment with the mainstream options.
The Role of Kamala Harris and the Biden Campaign’s Missteps
Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, received criticism for her failure to sufficiently address the concerns of the Arab and Muslim American communities. Activists, including Lexis Zeidan, co-founder of Uncommitted, argued that Harris’ outreach was insufficient and out of touch with the realities facing these communities, especially those in Michigan.
Zeidan pointed out how Trump capitalized on this oversight by showing up in Arab American communities and offering a message tailored to their frustrations. “Trump was coming to these communities and pandering to these emotions,” Zeidan noted, contrasting this with Harris’ absence. Harris and the broader Biden campaign failed to take the Palestinian issue seriously, despite calls from activists for a clearer stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Impact of Gaza on Voter Behavior
While Trump may have initially alienated Arab American voters with his controversial statements and policies, his rhetoric surrounding Gaza resonated more with these voters than the Biden campaign had anticipated. By the time the election was nearing its close, it was clear that the Democratic Party’s position on Gaza had alienated a significant portion of its traditional base.
In particular, young voters, often at the forefront of progressive movements, had already begun to feel disconnected from a party that, in their view, refused to take a stand against what they perceived as human rights violations by Israel. These voters—many of whom were Black, Latino, and Arab American—had been crucial to Biden’s 2020 victory, but their enthusiasm was significantly dampened in 2024.
Key Takeaways on the Gaza Conflict and Electoral Impact:
- Gaza’s humanitarian crisis impacted voter enthusiasm, especially in swing states with large minority populations.
- Trump’s appeal to Arab Americans grew as he positioned himself as a better alternative to the Democrats on issues like Gaza.
- Harris’ failure to address Palestinian concerns head-on made her less appealing to key progressive communities.
What Went Wrong for Democrats?
The Democratic Party’s failure to address the concerns of pro-Palestinian activists came to a head during the 2024 election, and the backlash was felt in the form of diminished support from key groups that had been crucial to Biden’s previous victory.
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Biden’s support for Israel during the Gaza conflict was a major sticking point. While Biden did make some efforts to shift his rhetoric later in the campaign, it was widely viewed as too little, too late. For many voters, especially those in communities of colour, Biden’s stance on Gaza was a reflection of broader failures to address their concerns.
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The Democratic National Convention also exacerbated these tensions when it refused to allow a Palestinian-American speaker to address the party, despite significant lobbying from groups like Uncommitted. This decision was seen as a direct snub to the Palestinian-American community, who felt their voices and concerns were being ignored.
Uncommitted National Movement’s Response:
Uncommitted’s leaders felt their warnings had gone unheeded. As Waleed Shahid, a spokesman for the group, put it, “We tried our best to bridge the campaign and the party with the community. We tried to help the campaign help themselves by changing their policy position.” The refusal to listen, Shahid argued, had serious electoral consequences.
Even as activists like Ruwa Romman, a member of the Georgia State Legislature, continued to support Biden and Harris despite their grievances, there was a palpable sense of betrayal. Romman, who had been hopeful that the Democratic Party would shift on Gaza, now felt the weight of her frustration more acutely: “If you needed our votes to save you, you should have acted like it.”
Moving Forward: The Reckoning for Democrats
As the post-election analysis continues to unfold, it’s clear that pro-Palestinian activists aren’t blaming themselves for the Democrats’ electoral losses. In fact, many are beginning to view Trump’s win as a painful, but necessary, lesson for the party.
The Democratic Party’s failure to fully embrace and address the Palestinian cause has led to a serious reckoning, especially among Arab American voters who now feel their interests have been sidelined. According to James Zogby, there’s likely a long-term price to pay for ignoring these communities. “There’s going to be a reckoning for this,” he said, “and they’re already getting their reckoning.”
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Democrats
The 2024 election serves as a stark reminder for the Democratic Party of the importance of engaging with its most progressive and diverse voter bases. Ignoring the concerns of Palestinian Americans, young voters, and other minority groups can no longer be overlooked if Democrats want to maintain their hold on the political mainstream.
It’s clear that a more inclusive, compassionate approach to foreign policy—one that genuinely acknowledges the rights and struggles of Palestinians—will be essential if the Democratic Party hopes to retain the support of these vital constituencies in future elections.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Biden Administration’s Middle East Policy
- Arab American Institute
- Uncommitted National Movement
- The Impact of Gaza on U.S. Politics
- Muslim American Advocacy – Emgage
