Michigan Primaries: A Test of Biden’s Political Influence and Support
President Biden’s decision to make Michigan one of the first states on the Democratic Party’s presidential nominating calendar has sparked a significant test of his standing within the party. The push to protest his support for Israel has the potential to upend what was expected to be a straightforward primary campaign.
Despite being widely expected to win Michigan’s Democratic primary election, President Biden faces resistance from Arab Americans, young voters, progressives, and other Democrats over his stance on the war in Gaza. A campaign urging Michiganders to vote “uncommitted” will measure this resistance and could send a warning to his campaign nationally.
The absence of reliable public polling has left the outcome uncertain, making the primary a tense night for Biden’s allies. The high number of “uncommitted” votes could signal trouble for the President, while a low number would boost confidence in his campaign.
The Arab American-led group Listen to Michigan has set a goal of 10,000 “uncommitted” votes, with the progressive group Our Revolution targeting 10 percent of the primary electorate. President Biden’s allies have introduced digital ads to support him and warn against voting uncommitted.
The Biden campaign’s relatively light presence in Michigan has raised questions about its strategy. While Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other surrogates have campaigned for him, the President’s team has faced challenges engaging with Gaza protesters.
The movement to vote “uncommitted” in the primary aims to send a message to President Biden about his Israel policy. Leaders insist they do not want to harm him in the general election but hope to persuade him to change his position. The outcome of the primary could impact how these dissidents vote in November.
On the Republican side, Nikki Haley faces challenges in Michigan after losing to former President Trump in South Carolina. With Michigan’s open primary system, Democrats could vote for Haley, but the focus remains on Biden’s performance. The state’s delegates to the Republican National Convention will be awarded at a party convention, where loyalty to Trump may play a significant role.
As Michigan’s primaries unfold, the political landscape is complex and uncertain, with both parties facing challenges and opportunities in the battleground state.
