Gaza Conflict and the Democratic Divide: The Uncommitted Delegates at the DNC

 

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago has become a focal point for a new wave of political activism within the Democratic Party. At the heart of this movement are the "uncommitted" delegates, a group of individuals who earned their place at the convention by challenging President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. With Biden out of the 2024 race and Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic nominee, the "uncommitted" delegates are now pushing for a significant shift in the party’s stance on Gaza, warning that failure to address the issue could jeopardize Harris’s chances in the upcoming election.

The Emergence of the "Uncommitted" Delegates

The story of the "uncommitted" delegates begins with the Listen to Michigan campaign, a grassroots initiative that urged voters to cast protest votes in the Democratic primaries. What started as a localized effort quickly gained national traction, with the movement sending delegates from states across the country to the DNC. These delegates, united by their opposition to the war in Gaza, are now using their platform to demand a commitment to an immediate ceasefire and an arms embargo against Israel.

Yaz Kader, a delegate from Washington state, is one of the many voices advocating for change. Kader views the "uncommitted" movement as a way to leverage the power of voting to protest the atrocities in Gaza. He believes that the Democratic base is in alignment with their cause and that change is possible within the existing political system. "We have to work within the system that we have. And we are showing right now that political pressure can be applied from within," Kader explains.

The Burden of Representation

For the "uncommitted" delegates, their role at the DNC is not just a political position but a profound responsibility. Abbas Alawieh, a delegate from Michigan, speaks of the immense pressure he feels to represent the voters who sent him to the convention. Alawieh’s commitment is deeply personal, as he also feels a duty to his Palestinian community members and his family in south Lebanon, who are directly impacted by the conflict in Gaza. "It feels like a big responsibility to the voters who sent us here, who sent me here," he reflects.

Sabrene Odeh, another delegate from Washington state, shares similar sentiments. As a Palestinian American, Odeh finds the ongoing war in Gaza deeply distressing, yet she also sees her role at the convention as a critical opportunity to advocate for Palestinian rights. Her message is straightforward: the violence must end, and an arms embargo must be imposed. "Our messages are very clear: We want a permanent, immediate ceasefire, and we want an arms embargo," Odeh asserts.

The Broader Impact of the Movement

While the "uncommitted" delegates are a prominent force at the DNC, their influence extends beyond the convention floor. Jeremiah Ellison, a delegate and Minneapolis City Council member, highlights that the movement represents a broader shift within the Democratic Party. He argues that the "uncommitted" delegates are not dividing the party but rather pushing it to adopt policies that are widely supported by its base. Ellison dismisses concerns that the movement could benefit Donald Trump, stating that their participation in the DNC is a clear indication of their commitment to the Democratic Party.

Shay Chan Hodges, an uncommitted delegate from Hawaii, emphasizes the importance of addressing the concerns of young voters, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict. Chan Hodges believes that Kamala Harris’s success in the election will depend on her ability to connect with these voters and respond to their demands for a change in U.S. policy towards Gaza. "The only way the vice president can beat Trump is by listening to the concerns of voters, particularly young people," she asserts.

The Crucial Role of Michigan

Michigan, a key swing state in the upcoming election, is at the center of the "uncommitted" movement’s efforts. Rima Mohammad, a delegate from Michigan, warns that Harris could lose the state if she fails to take a strong stance on Gaza. Mohammad points to the success of the "uncommitted" campaign in Michigan, particularly in Washtenaw County, as evidence of the deep dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s current position on Israel. "I am worried that, if there is no strong statement from Vice President Harris coming out for a permanent, immediate ceasefire and an arms embargo, she will lose Michigan," Mohammad cautions.