By Green Party nominee Jill Stein has begun doing something that is making Democrats sweat. She wants to make a Palestinian American as her vice presidential running mate, a deliberate strategy to appeal to anti-Israel leftists who are not content with Kamala Harris having a “friend” of antisemitism on the ticket.
Stein’s outreach is not merely a symbolic gesture but a calculated move to genuinely earn the support of these voters. As Abed Ayoub, executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, noted, Stein’s consideration of a Palestinian American running mate shows that she is serious about addressing the concerns of a community that feels increasingly alienated by the current political climate. “It’s not that Jill Stein is coming in to, quote un-quote, steal votes. She’s coming in to earn votes,” Ayoub said, emphasizing that this move is politically savvy and reflects the community’s growing power.
Two potential candidates spoke with NBC News, saying that “they had multiple conversations with Stein about the job. A spokesperson for a third potential candidate, the Democratic mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, Abdullah Hammoud, confirmed Stein asked him if he was willing to be considered for the job — before realizing Hammoud is too young to be constitutionally eligible.”
Meanwhile, Palestinian American comedian and activist Amer Zahr also confirmed discussions with Stein about joining her ticket. Zahr, who has committed to voting for Stein despite the newly revamped Democratic ticket, praised her direct outreach to Palestinian and Arab Americans, particularly in Michigan. “I am honored by the consideration and I think it’s important that the Stein campaign is making that kind of direct outreach to Palestinian Americans and Arab Americans, especially in Michigan,” Zahr said. He contrasted this with the Harris campaign, which he believes has failed to seriously address core issues important to their community.
Zahr’s initial openness to Harris waned after she “disrespectfully” shut down pro-Palestinian protesters at a recent event and made it clear through an aide that she would not support an arms embargo on Israel. He criticized Harris for not acknowledging the protesters’ concerns and instead suggesting that they were inadvertently helping Trump. “She could have said, ‘I hear you, we’re going to address this, and if you want it to get better, elect me instead of Donald Trump,’” Zahr remarked, expressing frustration with what he saw as a dismissive attitude.
Stein’s and Cornel West’s active courting of Muslim and Arab votes, as well as young progressives, could have a significant impact on the 2024 election, particularly if their efforts succeed in drawing votes away from the Democratic ticket in Michigan.
Both candidates are scheduled to attend the National Arab-American Convention in Dearborn in September, where their presence is likely to further galvanize support from these communities. Democrats, meanwhile, worry that these third-party efforts could inadvertently help re-elect Donald Trump by splitting the anti-Trump vote.
Harris recently attacked pro-Palestine protesters during a rally in the Great Lakes State after her negotiations with beforehand them appeared to fail.
During her rally in Detroit, Harris was suddenly interrupted by Pro-Palestine activists while giving a speech, knocking her off script and causing her to lose her cool.
🚨 Kamala Harris SNAPS on Pro-Palestine protesters accusing her of supporting Genocide in Gaza: “You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 8, 2024
Recently polling shows Harris with a small lead over former President Trump in Michigan, a “Blue Wall” state the Democrats have to hold if they have any chance of remaining in the White House.
[Read More: Brian Kemp Says He’s Got Trump’s Back]
