By: Alexis Shoats
Each time Democrats mentioned a ceasefire deal at the Democratic National Convention they were met with thunderous applause. So the question remains, why didn’t they allow a Palestinian-American to speak onstage at the convention?
The convention and the Harris-Walz campaign are facing criticism over their choice to deny the Uncommitted National Movement delegates an opportunity to have a Palestinian speak onstage. The DNC however did have the parents of an Israeli-American hostage address the convention members. The Uncommitted delegates stated on social media and to the press that they were willing to meet any request. Even suggesting a list of leaders within the party and allowing the convention officials to vet their speech. The convention still declined. Instead offering a few minutes to privately meet with staff. This option wasn’t good enough for the organization. The founders of the organization briefly spoke with the Vice President about their requests last month during a rally stop in Michigan, however, they still haven't had a formal meeting to discuss the war in Gaza. Although the Vice President and other leaders of the party have stated their devastation and anger over the casualties' loss, they still remained nervous about allowing a Palestinian to express their grief onstage.
As a result, Muslims for Harris have decided to pull support and disband. Over 45,000 voters in Minnesota voted uncommitted in the presidential primary, accounting for 19% of the vote, and more than 100,000 voters in Michigan’s primary voted the same. Both states have large Arab and Muslim populations, and Michigan is a crucial swing state for the campaign. Many members of the Uncommitted Movement have even stated they are ready to throw their support behind Harris, but they need her word that she supports a ceasefire and arms embargo on Israel. Without this, it will be hard for many Palestinian leaders to go back to their communities and support a Harris ticket.
Supporters are also upset because there were various Republican leaders onstage who spoke about why they were supporting Vice President Harris. In many of their speeches they still proudly proclaimed their allegiance to the Republican Party, and many spoke about their values and heroes such as Ronald Regan. Many supporters feel as though this is disrespectful considering Democrats continue to state that they are building a diverse tent, while simultaneously denying Democratic delegates the opportunity to speak on the mainstage.
Various leaders within the party also agree that a Palestinian-American should have been given the same opportunity on stage to share how the war has affected their own families and call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Representative Ilhan Omar joined the Uncommitted delegates as they protested outside the Convention on Wednesday evening. Representative Rashida Tlaib facetimed into the Uncommitted Movement’s press event and stated, “We shouldn’t have to beg our own party. That’s not who we are as a country, to have to beg to be heard.” Bend the Arc: Jewish Action who have endorsed Vice President Harris, stood alongside the delegates in condemning the convention as well. The organization’s Washington Director, Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block stated, “I saw the pain and the heartbreak of my Arab and Palestinian friends who were denied the opportunity to be part of that tent. To be part of that broad coalition that says what needs to be done. That were denied the opportunity to share that deep, deep pain. This not a difficult ask.To ask for a speaker.” The organization gave the DNC until 6 pm on Thursday to change their minds, and they did not.
Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman, the first Palestinian to be elected to public office in the state, delivered her speech outside the United Center. The speech she and the movement were hopeful Democrats would allow her to give at the convention. In her speech she talks about her family's immigrant story to the United States, the loss of family members in Palestine, the multiracial coalition the Democratic base is growing, as well as the calling of a ceasefire and release of Palestinian and Israeli hostages. She even urges everyone to commit themselves to electing the Vice President and to continue to fight for issues like abortion.
A moment that the Democratic Party could have used to completely unify the party, is now one of the greatest missed opportunities for the campaign. The Uncommitted National Movement has now set a deadline of September 15th for the Vice President to speak with their leaders.
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