President Joe Biden is facing a decline in support among Democratic voters in Michigan, a key swing state he won in 2020. The decrease is attributed to dissatisfaction with his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the border crisis.
Progressive, moderate, and conservative Democrats in Michigan, interviewed by NBC’s Kristen Welker, expressed reluctance to vote for Biden again. They expected a strong and decisive leader but perceived him as weak and inconsistent, particularly criticizing his response to the Israel-Hamas war.
According to Fox News on December 17, 2023, voters supported Israel’s right to defend itself but were disappointed with the perceived disproportionality of Israel’s military campaign. They called for an immediate ceasefire and urged Biden to pressure Israel to halt its actions.
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The voters were also concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the situation of Palestinians living under Hamas’s rule and blockade. On the domestic front, they criticized Biden’s approach to the border crisis, wanting him to address root causes and provide humanitarian aid and legal pathways for migrants.
Expressing loyalty to the Democratic Party, voters indicated uncertainty about supporting Biden in 2024 unless he addressed their concerns. Some hoped for a more progressive Democratic candidate in the primaries.
This sentiment aligns with a broader trend in Michigan, as shown by a poll conducted by Biden’s former pollster, John Anzalone. The poll, commissioned by the American Muslim Democratic Caucus, revealed a significant drop in Biden’s support among Muslim and Arab Democrats in Michigan, from 64% in 2020 to 35% in 2023.
Michigan, with its 16 electoral votes and diverse electorate, is crucial for Biden’s reelection. His policies on Israel and the border have strained relations with Arab Americans and other Democratic voters, who emphasize the need for a change in leadership and a more compassionate approach.
