In a recent development, former Obama official Van Jones has expressed concern over President Biden's ability to regain the trust of young, Arab, and Muslim voters.
This comes in the wake of widespread dissatisfaction over his support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
President Biden is currently facing a significant backlash from Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan. The president's unwavering support for Israel has sparked outrage among these communities, with some even accusing him of facilitating genocide. Historically, Arab Americans residing in Michigan have been staunch Democrats. In the 2020 election, Biden secured over 75% of the votes in Dearborn, a city with a majority Arab population. However, this support base is now under threat, with some community members initiating an "abandon Biden" campaign to protest his handling of Israel's retaliatory war in Gaza.
CNNs Erin Burnett OutFront recently dedicated a significant portion of its Thursday night episode to Biden's efforts to regain the trust of Arab American voters. The president's strategy includes making personal visits to Michigan. The show featured first-time voters and a former field organizer for the Biden campaign who expressed his disappointment in the president, accusing him of complicity in Palestinian deaths.
When questioned about the potential of his decision to aid in re-electing former President Donald Trump, the ex-Biden campaign staffer responded, "It probably will." He added, "We have seen four years of Trump and we have seen four years of Biden and people dont really see a difference between the presidents."
Erin Burnett sought Van Jones' opinion on the former campaign staffer's disillusionment with Biden over his foreign policy in Gaza. She recalled the staffer's statement to their CNN reporter in Michigan, where he declared that he would not vote for Biden again, even if it might benefit Trump. He described Biden as 'not somebody I can trust.' Burnett asked Jones, "How big of a problem is this for Biden right now, Van?"
Jones acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "Its a big problem for him right now." He pointed out the growing discontent among young voters in the Arab American community, who have started referring to the president as 'Genocide Joe.'
Despite the current sentiment, Jones believes that Biden can salvage the situation, although it will require considerable effort. "I think that he can turn it around, but youve got to be honest right now. Youve got disappointment in the base with how hes handling the war in Gaza," Jones said. He added, "Now, the reality is Joe Biden has deep ties and long friendships in the Muslim community, Arab community. He can get back there but hes got his work cut out for him right now."
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