Gaza Isn’t Going Away, and Harris-Walz Will Have To Confront It

The pro-Palestinian protestors who interrupted the Harris-Walz rally in Michigan reminded Democrats that Gaza can't be ignored and the campaign must find a better way to acknowledge these voters.

(Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images)

The Harris-Walz tour continued its rock star parade across the Midwest, stopping in a Michigan airport hangar today to speak to an astounding crowd of 15,000 people. The joyful warrior vibes resonated as VP Harris and Gov. Walz kept refining their stump speech that has gone over like gangbusters resulting in renewed enthusiasm and hope for a majority of voters that have been held captive in permanent dread ever since Donald Trump descended the fake golden escalators.

However, VP Harris realized that the open wound of Gaza can’t be ignored or forgotten. She encountered a few pro-Palestinian protestors who kept chanting and interrupting her talk. She acknowledged them gracefully and said, “I am here because we believe in democracy. Everyone’s voice matters. But I am speaking now. I am speaking now.” The protestors kept interrupting her, and VP Harris went Mama mode and retorted with a hammer: “If you want Donald Trump to win, say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.” The crowd cheered even as most of them didn’t understand or hear what the protestors were saying; they only saw disruption. 

However, I humbly offer this isn’t the way, especially if you want to keep Donald Trump out of the office. 

Michigan is a must-win swing state for Democrats, and it happens to have one of the highest populations of Arab Americans. In particular, the city of Dearborn is the largest city in the country with an Arab majority. Many have family members who are dying and suffering in Gaza as a result of Israel’s ongoing war that has resulted in 40,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, killed. Everyday the world is witness to horror and war crimes that do nothing but empower extremism and traumatize generations. Israel is not safer, the hostages haven’t been returned, and the war is now threatening to escalate into a regional crisis pending Iran’s retaliation. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is loathed by his own country, especially the family members of the hostages, who realize he’s ignoring a ceasefire in order to stay in power and avoid accountability for his alleged crimes. (Sound familiar, Americans?)  

Contrary to corporate media narratives, most of the “Uncommitted voters” aren’t flame-throwers or secret Republicans. I know many of them. Most are actually principled Democrats who desperately want to use whatever influence they have to pressure the Biden Administration to stop being complicit in what they, and a majority of Biden voters, consider to be an ongoing genocide. They are not fools. They understand the horrors that another Trump Administration would bring both for Gaza and America, which is why they want VP Harris to bring about a ceasefire to rebuild the Democratic coalition. 

In fact, a majority of American voters, including Republicans, Independents, and Democrats, want a ceasefire. I’ve said that Gaza is President Biden’s moral failure. For a man whose trademark quality is empathy, he has been utterly incapable of showing it for Palestinians. With President Biden removing himself from the ticket, many of these uncommitted voters have hesitantly hopped back on the Harris train especially after hearing her acknowledge Palestinian casualties and express empathy for their communities during Netanyahu’s recent visit. Yes, the bar is that low, folks. It’s practically in hell. 

This is a time for a reset and a move towards peace and justice. The Harris campaign seems to understand as evidenced by VP Harris meeting the co-founders of Uncommitted National Movement before her Michigan rally. “I’m Palestinian, I’m a founder of Uncommitted. Michigan voters want to support you, but we need a policy that will save lives in Gaza right now,” Layla Elabed said while crying. According to the New York Times reporting, VP Harris was sympathetic and expressed an openness to discuss a potential arms embargo. Governor Walz has also welcomed uncommitted voters and acknowledged their frustration. 

All of this underscores why VP Harris needs to appreciate that these protests will continue happening until the war ends, and that Democrats can’t afford to ignore, mock, or wish away a part of their base that could possibly tilt a swing state. The next time this happens, and it will, I recommend VP Harris acknowledge the protestors with the following statement: 

“I hear you. I understand your pain and frustration. Too many Palestinian civilians have been killed. Rest assured President Biden and I are working tirelessly for a ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages. We will keep working until Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas agree to the peace deal that Israel has proposed.”

The audience will applaud. She will reiterate the Administration’s goals. She will show empathy and concern. The Uncommitted movement will feel heard, and she will reflect the desire and will of the majority. If the protestors continue heckling her, she can unleash all the Mama Kamala energy and hush them up. The audience will cheer even more, because most rallies hate any protestors who ruin a good time, especially as the Harris-Walz campaign is currently fueled by joy and hope. 

Again, I’m just a lowly writer, but I write this to help the Harris-Walz campaign avoid obvious pitfalls and unnecessary blunders on their way to the White House. It’s also the best way for healing, progress, and to end a war that has turned into a genocide before our very own eyes.