Kamala Harris Vows to End Gaza Conflict at Final Michigan Rally Before Election

In a rally held on Sunday at Michigan State University, Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to use all her efforts to “end the war in Gaza,” aiming to connect with the state’s significant Arab American and Muslim American electorate just days before the election. Michigan, with approximately 240,000 registered Muslim voters, played a pivotal role in President Biden's 2020 victory, but dissatisfaction over Harris’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict has led some voters to shift their support toward Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate.

During her speech, Harris acknowledged the deep-rooted Arab American community in Michigan, expressing empathy for the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict. “This year has been difficult, given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon,” she stated. Harris emphasized her commitment to bringing home hostages, alleviating suffering in Gaza, and ensuring the security and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians.

With polls showing a tight race between Harris and her rival, Donald Trump, the Vice President's appeal was crucial. She urged attendees to envision a future free from the politics of fear and division, advocating for unity and understanding among Americans. “America is ready for a fresh start, ready for a new way forward, where we see our fellow Americans not as enemies but as neighbors,” she asserted.

As her campaign efforts intensified, Harris visited several locations throughout Michigan, including a church in Detroit and a barbershop in Pontiac. With Trump set to hold his final rally in the state the following day, Harris remained steadfast in her message. “We need to finish strong,” she declared, rallying supporters with optimism and determination.

The atmosphere at the rally was electric, with attendees frequently chanting her name in support. Many expressed enthusiasm for voting for Harris, emphasizing her representation of women’s rights and progressive values. “I feel more energized and more excited in this election than I have in a while,” said Latonya Demps, a small business owner. “She speaks for my rights and the rights of women.”

As Democrats worked to mitigate potential losses among Arab American and Muslim American voters to third-party candidates, the Democratic National Committee launched targeted advertisements aimed at discouraging support for Stein and independent candidate Cornel West. Polls indicated a potential split in support, with surveys revealing varying levels of backing for Trump, Harris, and Stein among Arab and Muslim voters.

Despite the uncertainty in voter sentiment, many of Harris’s supporters left the rally feeling hopeful. “She’s going to be the first Black woman president that we’ve had,” said 19-year-old Zay Worthey. “She’s fighting for the rights of the middle class and for entrepreneurs like myself. She has something that Donald Trump doesn’t: community.”

With Election Day approaching, Harris’s rally in Michigan underscores the importance of the state in the presidential race and the need for candidates to address the concerns of diverse voter groups.