Fierce Competition for Arab and Muslim Votes in the US Presidential Race
As the US presidential election approaches, candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure the votes of Arab and Muslim communities, particularly in swing states. With just four days remaining before the election, both major party candidates are making significant promises aimed at these crucial voter blocs.
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, has been actively courting the Arab community in Michigan, notably in Dearborn, a city with a substantial Lebanese population. He has made ambitious pledges regarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and a commitment to halt conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Trump emphasized that his close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would facilitate these promises, despite acknowledging a historical gap between the Republican party and Arab and Muslim voters.
On the other hand, Democratic candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris has highlighted her strong support from the Arab and Muslim community. She reaffirmed her commitment to the two-state solution and emphasized the need to end the ongoing war in Gaza. Recent polling data indicates that Harris has seen an increase in support among these voters, rising from 29% in August to 41% now.
Voter Sentiment and Early Voting Trends
Recent statistics show a record level of early voting, with over 68 million ballots cast. Among these, 38.6% identified as Democratic voters, while 36% identified as Republican. A notable poll by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) revealed a significant divide within the Muslim electorate, with 42% expressing support for Green Party candidate Jill Stein, while only 10% favored Trump. Additionally, 5% of surveyed individuals indicated they would boycott the election altogether.
In swing states, the competition remains tight. For instance, in Georgia, the lead is razor-thin, with candidates separated by just two percentage points. Meanwhile, North Carolina has shown a stronger Republican turnout at 52% compared to 48% for Democrats.
The issue of immigration continues to be a pivotal topic in the campaign, with Trump pledging to deport millions of immigrants, contrasting with the Democrats' call for comprehensive immigration reform. This topic has been further complicated by controversial remarks from Trump's vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, who suggested that some immigrants may threaten Western values, drawing criticism from various quarters.
As the election nears, both candidates are striving to galvanize support from the Arab and Muslim electorate, which could be decisive in swing states like Arizona, where local leaders are urging support for Harris despite dissatisfaction with President Biden's policies regarding Gaza.
