Democrats Angering Supporters At Their Own Convention

The Democratic Party’s refusal to allow a Palestinian American to speak at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) could have significant repercussions in the upcoming November election. The decision has sparked outrage within the Uncommitted National Movement, a group protesting the Biden administration’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Washington Examiner writes:

Leaders of the movement, which is protesting the Biden administration’s stance on the war in Gaza, have shown ire that Palestinian voices have been shut out of the celebration of the convention. Uncommitted leaders are especially upset because family members of the victims of Hamas’s attack on Israel and Republicans were allowed to address DNC attendees.

Uncommitted delegates kept their voices raised throughout the four-day convention, and on Thursday night, they entered the convention floor holding hands, vowing not to be “shut out.” Separate protests led by other groups upset over the war in Gaza were staged throughout the week.

Harris issued her standard talking points during her acceptance speech on Thursday night, as she reflected on Israel’s right to self-defense, her commitment to a ceasefire deal, and the “devastating” loss of life in Gaza. She also expressed her hope for the day when “the Palestinian people can live out their rights to dignity, security, and freedom.”

However, her words halfway through her convention speech are not likely to do enough to earn her the uncommitted movement’s support.

The shutting out of the protesters may be the result of them disrupting a Harris speech in Michigan, which threw her off for a second during her campaign rollout in crucial swing state. The group has previously given Joe Biden multiple “red lines” that have been ignored.

Throughout the four-day convention, Uncommitted delegates made their presence known. They marched onto the convention floor hand in hand, vowing not to be silenced, and staged multiple protests alongside other groups critical of the war in Gaza. These actions highlighted the deepening divide within the Democratic Party over the conflict.

Prominent members of the progressive “Squad,” including Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), have thrown their support behind the Uncommitted movement, urging the Democratic Party to take its concerns seriously. Tlaib, the first Palestinian American elected to Congress, emphasized the importance of recognizing Palestinian voices, warning that the DNC’s decision could alienate a crucial voter base.

Uncommitted delegates are waking through the convention arm in arm trying to enter the floor to take their seats and being rejected #DNC2024 pic.twitter.com/egqY3tS9Lk

— Sharif Kouddous شريف عبد القدوس (@sharifkouddous) August 23, 2024

As the DNC concluded, the Uncommitted movement remained resolute. The group’s dissatisfaction signals potential trouble for Democrats as they head into the general election, with the possibility of losing support from key constituencies.