The U.S. presidential race between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican contender Donald Trump is tightening, as Harris announced she cast her vote by mail and campaigns in Michigan to secure key votes. Today, she’s attending a rally in East Lansing, Michigan, aiming to engage Arab American voters who have shown hesitancy in supporting Democratic candidates due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
This Michigan rally follows Trump’s recent visit to the state, where he claimed unprecedented support from the state’s Muslim voters. Harris, meanwhile, emphasized her commitment to unity, urging voters to prioritize justice and democracy in her Michigan speech.
A recent poll shows Harris leading Trump by approximately three percentage points in Iowa, marking a significant shift as the state previously favored Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Trump, however, disputed these poll results at a rally in Pennsylvania, calling them “fake.”
Middle East Institute analyst Samir Al-Taqi commented on the election landscape on Sky News Arabia, stating that “more than 40% of Americans have voiced their opinions and voted.” He highlighted that, while recent U.S. election polling statistics are accurate, new voting demographics could still shift outcomes, especially as Harris faces a more challenging path to victory than Trump.
Former D.C. mayoral candidate James Butler underscored the importance of Michigan in U.S. electoral history, advising Harris to prioritize undecided voters. Winning over Arab American communities in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin could prove pivotal for Harris in surpassing Trump. Yet, current Middle East events, particularly the Gaza conflict, pose challenges for Harris and the Biden administration to align with voters seeking a clearer stance on these issues.
