Vice President Kamala Harris is facing a wave of opposition from pro-Palestinian protesters who are determined to make their voices heard at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago this week.
The Democratic presidential candidate has come under fire for her fiscal and foreign policy objectives, with critics arguing that she has not done enough to support the Palestinian cause.
According to The Post Millennial, Harris was once viewed by pro-Palestinian activists within the Democratic Party as being less supportive of Israel than President Joe Biden. She has attempted to differentiate herself from Biden's policies despite being a product of his administration. Harris was perceived as being more empathetic towards the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and more inclined to advocate for a ceasefire. However, this perception has changed.
Hatem Abudayyeh, chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, told Politico, We all came to a consensus that its not going to make a difference, that [Harris] represents this administration. Were going to stay full steam ahead. His group had been critical of Harris, even before she was selected as the Democratic presidential candidate following Biden's withdrawal from the race.
The DNC is expected to be a hotbed of protests, reminiscent of 1968 when the party also chose an unelected, appointed politician to lead the party into the presidential election. This year, six major protests are planned to coincide with the start of the DNC on Monday. Democrats who seek a debate about the partys support for Israel's military actions believe the DNC is the appropriate forum for such a discussion, despite their skepticism about Harris's foreign policy approach.
Linda Loew, an organizer for Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws coalition, told Politico, There is admittedly a change of tone and for many, a sense of a breath of fresh air. However, she emphasized that rhetoric and promises are simply not enough. We certainly are glad and welcome the support of any and all Democrats who say that theyre for any of these issues, but we need to see action.
Harris has also drawn the ire of activists for her confrontational approach towards protesters at a Michigan rally. Joe Losbaker, a protest organizer and a member of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression, told Politico, After she yelled at protesters, the blush started to come off the rose. He plans to participate in the protests this week.
Andy Thayer, another protester, warned against being deceived by Harris's stance on Israel. Harris has made it clear that she is standing behind Israel 100 percent and is not going to stop the flow of arms to Israel, he said. In response to the planned protests, Harris's team issued a statement about peace in Gaza.
Harris campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt told Politico, The vice president believes making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans. Vice President Harris supports the deals currently on the table for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of hostages.
The convention could also witness protests from within due to the seating of 30 delegates who are designated Uncommitted over the Biden-Harris administration's Gaza policy. Convention spokesperson Emily Soong said, Thousands of Democrats from all across the country are showing up here in Chicago to rally behind the Harris-Walz nomination because they believe in the vision of hope and progress this ticket represents. We support law enforcements efforts to protect the right to peaceful protest while not allowing any violence.
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