Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib refrained from endorsing Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, emphasising the need for workers to exercise their voting power.
Tlaib, a Palestinian-American representative, encouraged the crowd to mobilize against corporate greed, stating, "Don't underestimate the power you all have," as reported by the Detroit News.
Earlier on social media, Tlaib harshly criticized both Republican candidate Donald Trump and her own party for their positions on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
She labeled Trump as a “proud Islamophobe” and condemned the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel amidst the conflict, calling it a "wake-up call" for supporters of what she described as genocide.
The congresswoman's remarks come amid rising discontent among progressive voters regarding the Biden administration's handling of the Gaza crisis, where over 43,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since October 2023.
This discontent is reflected in a recent poll from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which revealed that among Muslim voters, Harris is nearly tied with Green Party candidate Jill Stein.
Tlaib’s home state of Michigan is pivotal for Democratic prospects, particularly due to its significant Arab population.
While Tlaib has not endorsed Harris, other members of the progressive 'Squad'—including Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—have shown support for her candidacy, despite ongoing criticisms of the Biden administration's approach to the Gaza situation.
As the 2024 election approaches, the tension surrounding foreign policy and domestic concerns continues to influence voter sentiment within the Democratic Party.
Harris has faced protests during her campaign events, with demands for an end to the violence in Gaza and calls for an arms embargo on Israel.
