In Detroit, U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib has thrown her support behind a movement that is encouraging Michigan Democrats to cast their votes as “uncommitted” during the presidential primary scheduled for February 27. This initiative is designed as a form of protest against the policies of President Joe Biden, particularly about the situation in Gaza.
Taking to social media over the weekend, Tlaib shared a video in which she articulated the significance of taking action beyond just participating in marches against what she described as the “genocide” in Gaza. She emphasized the necessity of building a collective voting force capable of driving substantial change. This endorsement by Tlaib highlights a strategic effort to leverage the primary voting process as a means to voice dissent and potentially influence policy directions concerning Gaza.
“Something that is a bullhorn to say enough is enough. We don’t want a country that supports wars and bombs and destruction. We want to support life. We want to stand up for every single life killed in Gaza,” Tlaib said.
Tlaib – a liberal firebrand who represents parts of Detroit and its suburbs – previously accused Biden of supporting a Palestinian “genocide” and warned Americans will remember how he responded to the war when he’s up for reelection.
“Mr. President, the American people are not with you on this one,” Tlaib said in a November video, adding, “We will remember in 2024.”
The Listen to Michigan campaign is made up of more than 30 Michigan officials who have pledged to vote “uncommitted” in the state’s presidential primary on February 27 to demand Biden support a ceasefire.
“It is also important to create a voting bloc,” Tlaib said in the Saturday video. “Something that is a bullhorn to say, enough is enough. We don’t want a country that supports wars and bombs and destruction. We want to support life. We want to stand up for every single life killed in Gaza.”
Administration officials met with the Michigan leaders this month in an attempt to quell uproar from key parts of the president’s coalition over his support for Israel in its war and his reticence to publicly call for a ceasefire.