Muslim leaders have intensified their #AbandonBiden campaign, calling on voters to reconsider their support for President Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 election, according to a report by CNBC on Saturday, December 30.
The movement initially gained traction in crucial swing states, including Michigan, Minnesota, and Arizona, where leaders voiced dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The campaign, which took root in December, gathered momentum, prompting organizers to expand their efforts to encompass all 50 states.
Citing President Biden’s failure to call for a cease-fire in Gaza and his backing of Israel’s counterattacks against Hamas, Muslim leaders are now advocating for a nationwide rejection of the incumbent president.
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Lead organizer Jaylani Hussein declared, “We will save America from itself, by punishing Biden at the ballot box.”
The coalition is poised to endorse an independent presidential candidate, marking a departure from the Democratic Party. While Hussein acknowledged the potential risk of aiding the Republicans, he emphasized their commitment to holding Biden accountable for perceived shortcomings.
Notably, the #AbandonBiden campaign rejects support for former President Donald Trump, the current Republican frontrunner. Hussein cited concerns about Trump’s track record on Muslim freedoms, including the implementation of a Muslim ban affecting seven Muslim-majority countries.
Despite reservations, the campaign is willing to risk an unknown four years under Trump rather than continue supporting Biden.
Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has taken a toll on his approval ratings, particularly among young voters. A November NBC poll revealed a significant dip in Biden’s approval, mainly attributed to dissatisfaction with his foreign policy actions in the war.
Muslim-Americans in battleground states, pivotal in securing Biden’s victory in 2020, have expressed a willingness to explore third-party options or abstain from voting altogether. This sentiment extends beyond the Muslim-American community, as an October Gallup poll indicated widespread dissatisfaction with both major parties, with many voters advocating for an independent candidate.
While it remains uncertain whether this third-party momentum will persist until election day, the current polling reflects emerging trends that could reshape the political landscape.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with calls for conditioning U.S. aid to Israel on adherence to international humanitarian standards. Despite repeated statements urging Israel to minimize civilian casualties, the White House has not formalized such conditions.
President Biden’s recent move to provide $147.5 million in emergency military support to Israel has further intensified scrutiny of his approach to the conflict.
