Black voters undecided about Biden over lack of support for Palestinians. Black Voters are seemingly not happy with President Biden’s lack of support for Palestinians.
Demetrius Briscoe, a 25-year-old senior at Bowie State University, voted for Biden in 2020 but finds himself on the fence about supporting the president next year. The reason? He believes Biden hasn’t done enough to call for a cease-fire in the ongoing war that has taken a toll on Palestinian civilians.
Briscoe’s sentiments echo the concerns of many of his peers, especially when it comes to Biden’s handling of the conflict in the Middle East.
Black voters undecided about Biden over lack of support for Palestinians. They argue that “Biden’s positions, including not immediately calling for a cease-fire, might cost him the support of African Americans, a group that has traditionally been a strong Democratic voting bloc.”
One major issue for these young voters is whether Biden has taken sufficient steps to ensure the protection of Palestinians.
Experts and some young people contend that Biden’s reluctance to demand a cease-fire might lead to a loss of support from this critical demographic. This sentiment is starting to manifest in early signs of waning support, particularly among young Black individuals.
Jason Williams, an associate professor of justice studies at Montclair State University, believes that Biden is overlooking a moral imperative and warns that it could have consequences for him and other Democratic candidates in the next election.
Some young people feel that Biden’s solidarity with Israel since the October 7 attack by Hamas isn’t enough. While the administration has started to criticize Israel’s actions amid the increasing civilian casualties, it hasn’t satisfied those looking for a more forceful stance.
They argue that Biden needs to pay attention to what’s being shared on social media regarding the conflict. They are increasingly aware of the impact of America’s involvement in wars, and some are expressing concerns about blind loyalty to Israel without considering the rights of Palestinians.
Keesha Middlemass, an associate professor of political science at Howard University, emphasizes that young people are witnessing the consequences of America’s war machine, fueling their worries about the nation’s support for Israel. The fear is that this blind loyalty may come at the expense of Palestinian rights.
In October, during a rally at Howard University, historically a Black university in Washington, students criticized Biden for not calling for a cease-fire and accused him of not doing enough to help Palestinians.
Some even voiced their intentions not to vote for him in the next election. Delaney Leonard, a 19-year-old sophomore at Howard, stated that Biden’s stance on the conflict would play a role in people’s voting decisions.
The challenge for Biden is to counter the narratives gaining traction on social media and among young people regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The youth are increasingly recognizing the impact of America’s war machine, prompting concerns about the nation’s unwavering support for Israel.
In response to the pushback on Biden’s policy in Israel, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned that the president is always concerned about different communities’ feelings regarding his work.
The administration has adjusted its tone in recent weeks, with Vice President Kamala Harris stating in December that “international humanitarian law must be respected,” expressing concern for the lives of innocent Palestinians.
However, Biden’s most direct criticism of Israel came when he warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel is “starting to lose” international support due to its “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza.
Despite these shifts, some young African Americans feel a sense of solidarity with Palestinians, reminiscent of historical connections during social justice protests.
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