Joe Biden and Donald Trump wins Michigan primaries amid Gaza protest vote
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have won their party primaries in Michigan with ease, yet there is reason for both to be concerned about their chances in November’s battle for the swing state, as the number of ‘uncommitted’ voters rises.
Trump appeared on path to win roughly 70 percent in the state’s GOP primary. That will increase the pressure on Haley to exit the race, though the former U.N. ambassador has said she plans to remain in it at least through the March 5 “Super Tuesday” primary, when 15 states hold nominating contests.
The former president has swept the primaries so far, notching clear wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. And while Haley drew more than a quarter of the vote, she did not match her vote shares in the last two head-to-head contests with Trump in South Carolina (40 percent) and New Hampshire (43 percent).
President Joe Biden has comfortably won the Michigan Democratic presidential primary, even with a notable protest vote due to strong US support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict.
Biden secured 81% of the vote, based on projections, while surprisingly ‘uncommitted’ obtained 13%.
His team is closely monitoring whether this trend will echo across other crucial swing states.
The US position on the Israel-Hamas clash has upset numerous voters.
Activists from Listen to Michigan and their allies celebrated the significant protest vote—over 100,000—as a triumph on Wednesday.
They vow to keep urging the Biden administration to support a Gaza ceasefire and to restrict aid to Israel.
‘Our President faces a crucial decision,’ noted Abdullah Hammoud, mayor of Dearborn, which hosts a significant Arab-American community.
‘I hope, Mr. President, you will heed our call and prioritize the American people over Benjamin Netanyahu,’ he expressed.
There were tears at the organization’s watch party Tuesday evening as vote tallies came in.
The U.S. provides substantial military funding to Israel, its staunch ally.
Earlier in the month, the U.S. vetoed a UN resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, instead offering a draft advocating a temporary halt to hostilities.
Within Mr. Biden’s own party, there is a growing demand for him to adopt a firmer position against Israel’s military actions.
Political analyst Larry Sabato from the University of Virginia said Mr. Biden should be aware of the ‘uncommitted’ votes influencing his Middle East policy.
‘He’s losing not only Arab American and Muslim American votes, but also those of young people,’ he pointed out.
The ‘uncommitted’ tally might encourage similar protest campaigns in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Trump is expected to secure an easy victory in the state’s Republican primary following what he termed a ‘great day’.