Why Michigan is expected to play a decisive role in the US presidential election

Although Joe Biden’s efforts to win over more constituencies are gaining traction, plans for “uncommitted” votes are threatening a second attempt at being president of the United States of America.

This campaign got its start in Michigan, home to a sizable population of Arab-American Democrats, as a result of Washington’s intervention in the Israeli-Gaza conflict. However, could Biden’s loss to the state cost him the White House?

The facts

Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump won their respective primaries in Michigan on Tuesday. Some community leaders in Minnesota launched the #AbandonBiden campaign in October 2023 seeking to kick against Biden’s re-election to the White House.

Despite a Trump win in Michigan, results showed a sizable number of Republicans who came out to vote against the former US President in the state. Trump on his part has been saddled with civil and federal law suits brought against him for various alleged offenses including fraud and insurrection.

The arguments

According to experts, the outcome of the elections is a sign of concern although Biden won the Democratic primary eventually. As resentment over the administration’s handling of Israel’s assault in Gaza spurred a campaign to persuade Democratic voters to vote “uncommitted,” he encountered concerted resistance from Arab and Muslim Americans.

Even though almost 30,000 Palestinians—many of them women and children—have lost their lives in the Gaza War since October 7, 2023, the US still offers Tel Aviv military support.

Voters who are Arab-American and Muslim are expressing their anger at Biden’s unwavering support for Israel saying that they will not be attending the polls.

Many of these people, whose family and loved ones have lost their lives or displaced in Palestine, claim that their expectations have not been honoured in spite of Washington’s stance, citing their unpleasant experience supporting Joe Biden’s candidacy in 2020.

Again, in the last few weeks, there have been calls and negotiations towards a ceasefire in the troubled Gaza region but Israel’s president Netanyahu has vowed to continue a full-scale military action against Hamas.

Subsequently, there have been some tensions between Biden and Netanyahu over the ceasefire with the West on to see how things will eventually unfold.

Back in the US, Biden’s reelection bid could be limbo as many Arab Americans have threatened not to show up for the November polls.

The onus is now on Biden to first convince voters about his age which has become a key top in the campaign and his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

His contender, Donald Trump continues to blow out fellow Republican Nikki Haley in the primaries to strengthen his grip on the party. Trump is however yet announce a Vice president pick for the upcoming polls.

It is also yet to be determined whether suits and case brought against Trump could even place him on the ballot for the November polls.