Longtime Michigan Democrat Terry Ahwal won't support President Biden in 2024 due to his support for Israel, urging others to vote "uncommitted" in protest of his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Ahwal, a Palestinian American, has been a longtime supporter of Democrats but feels their stance on Israel is unacceptable. Rep. Rashida Tlaib also encourages Michigan residents to vote "uncommitted" in protest. Ahwal's husband, while sharing her views on the conflict, is concerned about democracy and is likely to still vote for Biden due to the potential alternative of Trump.
Democratic congresswoman Debbie Dingell from Michigan expressed that the violent pro-Palestinian protest at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) had a more profound impact on her than the January 6 Capitol riots. Dingell described feeling frightened during the protest and warned that someone could get hurt. She recounted her attempt to leave the building as the protest turned violent, with doors being blocked and a U.S. Capitol Police officer being pepper-sprayed. Dingell emphasized the importance of free speech and peaceful protest but criticized the violence, stating that it distracts from the intended message. She expressed gratitude to the Capitol Police for keeping her and her colleagues safe and suggested that outside forces may be trying to divide the country.
