Tim Walz makes direct appeal to conflicted Muslim voters
NBCSep 22
Harris, Trump Vying for Muslim, Arab American Votes
Above: Former Pres. Donald Trump stands with supporters at a campaign rally In Novi, Mich., on Oct. 26, 2024. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
With the Nov. 5 US election nearing, Arab Americans and Muslims, who could prove to be a decisive voting bloc in the contest between Republican former Pres. Donald Trump and Democratic Vice Pres. Kamala Harris appears greatly divided. A recent YouGov and Arab News poll showed Trump up 45%-43% among Arab voters.
Muslim and Arab voters show deep concern with how the Biden admin. has handled Israel's war in Gaza and Israel's bombings in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Trump as president blocked immigrants from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the US and has shown varied opinions on relations with Israel.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
It's understandable that Muslim and Arab American voters would be angry with the complex situation in the Middle East. But voting for Trump would be a misguided way to express this anger. Among numerous things, Trump has already criticized the Biden administration for holding Israel back, used "Palestinian" as a slur, and promised to expand his Muslim ban. He's no friend to Muslims and Arab Americans.
Republican narrative
Trump is the right candidate for Muslim and Arab American voters because he's going to bring peace globally while keeping the US safe. Trump is reaching out to Muslim leaders on the ground as Harris fails to offer a vision for peace in the Middle East and campaigns with military-industrial complex icon Liz Cheney, who's no friend to Muslim countries. The decision to back Trump is an easy one.