Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California Meets Arab American and Muslim Leaders 

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, a surrogate for President Biden's reelection campaign, is currently in Michigan to meet with Arab American and Muslim leaders in his personal capacity. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss U.S. policy towards Israel in the wake of the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This visit comes amidst a growing push by activists who are encouraging Democrats to cast protest votes in the upcoming primary election in Michigan.

Local organizers in Michigan are advocating for voters to choose the "uncommitted" option in the upcoming primary election as a means of expressing their objection to the Biden administration's support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. There are indications that many Arab American activists in the state are considering abstaining from voting altogether in the November general election, which could potentially impact Mr. Biden's electoral prospects in a critical battleground that he won by a narrow margin in 2020.

Khanna has been an early proponent of a permanent mutual cease-fire between Israel and Hamas amidst the escalating conflict. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 29,000 since the commencement of Hamas' attacks across Israel on October 7, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. President Biden has expressed that Israel should refrain from advancing with an offensive in southern Gaza without a "credible" plan to protect civilians. His administration has also been involved in negotiations for a hostage deal aimed at temporarily halting the fighting in Gaza for at least six weeks. The U.S. recently vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and proposed its own resolution linking a cease-fire to the release of hostages.

Cease-fire in Hamas

In an interview with CBS News, Khanna emphasized the importance of engaging with community leaders to understand their concerns and garner support in Congress for a cease-fire, the release of hostages, and opposition to further aid to Israel. He stressed the necessity of rebuilding trust and conveying the feedback from these meetings to his colleagues and the administration. Khanna further highlighted his focus on advocating for changes in Congress and the White House regarding foreign policy and emphasized the human tragedy unfolding in Gaza.

During his visit to Michigan, Khanna is scheduled to participate in various events and meetings. He is set to attend a town hall at the University of Michigan with Rep. Debbie Dingell to discuss a cease-fire in Gaza. Additionally, he will join an event organized by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters with Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the first member of Michigan's congressional delegation to support the "uncommitted" vote in the state's primary. Khanna also has private meetings planned with key figures such as Abdul El-Sayed, a 2018 gubernatorial candidate, and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who has advocated for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza.

Organizers advocating for the "uncommitted" vote are aiming to capture at least 10% to 20% of the overall primary vote as a strategic means of exerting political pressure on President Biden. Groups such as Our Revolution and Emgage are actively lobbying their members to support the "uncommitted" vote and are conveying concerns to the White House regarding the administration's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Michigan Democratic officials remain optimistic that increased outreach with "uncommitted" voters will potentially lead to their support for President Biden in the November general election.

Khanna's engagement with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Michigan comes in the wake of their refusal to meet with Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez-Rodriguez and the postponement of a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris due to concerns related to the administration's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Local leaders have acknowledged Khanna's constructive approach and his previous outreach efforts as reasons for agreeing to meet with him.

The ongoing discussions and engagements led by Rep. Ro Khanna in Michigan reflect the significance of the concerns surrounding U.S. policy towards Israel in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. These interactions also underscore the efforts to address the viewpoints of Arab American and Muslim communities and the potential impact on electoral dynamics in Michigan.