‘If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that’: Harris fires back at Gaza protesters at rally in Detroit
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, found herself in a challenging situation on Wednesday when pro-Palestinian protesters of Israel’s war in Gaza interrupted her campaign rally in Detroit. The vice president responded decisively to the disruption, stating, “You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking!” This remark silenced the protesters momentarily and enthused Harris’ supporters, who erupted into loud cheers and chants of, “Not going back!”
This event showcases the divisions among Democrats over the war in the Middle East which could potentially challenge Harris’ bid against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
Demonstration during Harris’ Speech
A group of protesters disrupted Harris about halfway through her speech, chanting, “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide! We won’t vote for genocide!” Harris initially responded: “I’m here because I believe in democracy. I believe everyone’s voice matters. But I’m speaking now. I am speaking now.”
However, the turbulence continued as she attempted to examine the consequences of a potential second term for Trump. The rally, staged at a Detroit airport hangar, drew in more than 15,000 attendees.
The Harris Campaign
This Detroit gathering was the largest event for the still young Harris campaign, as she embarks on multi-state tour with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz this week.
In comparison to President Joe Biden, demonstrations at Harris’ public events have been infrequent. Harris initiated her campaign after Biden withdrew from the presidential race on July 21.
Pro-Palestinian Group Urges Formal Dialogue with Harris
Michigan’s city of Dearborn, located outside Detroit, is home to a substantial Arab American and Muslim community. The residents have formerly criticized the Biden administration’s endorsement of Israel’s war against Hamas following the militant group’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
In February, during Michigan’s Democratic primary, a majority of primary voters in Dearborn, approximately 57%, favored “uncommitted” over Biden in protest against his stance on Israel’s war in Gaza.
Harris further discussed her stance on the war in Gaza with members of the Pro-Palestinian group “Uncommitted” and expressed openness towards a formal meeting. Their demands include a U.S. arms embargo in Israel and a permanent Gaza cease-fire.
Harris’ Stance on the Middle East Crisis
While Harris remains supportive of Israel’s right to self-defense against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups, she took the lead in criticizing the number of Palestinian casualties in Gaza. “Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. The scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating,” she shared in a statement last December.
Michigan, with 15 electoral votes at stake, is a crucial battleground state that Biden won in the 2020 election against Trump. Harris’ stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict could potentially affect the state’s voting pattern in the forthcoming election.