A protest against both Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump took place in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, highlighting the growing frustration among Arab and Muslim Americans over US support for Israel. As protesters chanted “Trump and Harris, you can’t hide, no votes for genocide,” many voiced their intent to support Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who they believe stands firmly for Palestinian rights amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Lebanon.
The rally was organized by the "Abandon Harris" campaign, which has endorsed Stein, criticizing both major parties for their unwavering support of Israel. The group’s co-founder, Hassan Abdel Salam, said Stein exemplifies their opposition to policies perceived as enabling violence in the region. He explained that supporting Stein is part of a broader strategy to hold Harris accountable and to send a message that Arab and Muslim communities’ concerns cannot be ignored.
Despite the unlikelihood of a third-party victory, Stein’s supporters see their votes as a principled stand and a way to signal dissatisfaction with the current political landscape.
In response, the Harris campaign released ads targeting Arab American voters in Michigan, warning that a vote for Stein could help Trump by diverting votes from the Democratic candidate. However, many Stein supporters reject this argument as condescending, asserting that they wouldn’t vote for either major party if Stein weren’t an option.
Palestinian-American comedian and activist Amer Zahr, who was once considered for Stein’s vice-presidential pick, criticized the Democrats’ messaging as “paternalistic,” arguing that many voters backing Stein wouldn’t necessarily align with Harris if they had to choose between her and Trump.
Frustrated by the bipartisan support for Israel, many Arab and Muslim voters, like Dearborn resident Haneen Mahbuba, see voting for Stein as a way to reject the two-party system that they feel has failed them. They believe their votes in a swing state like Michigan could amplify their influence and demonstrate their commitment to issues like Palestinian rights and opposition to military support for Israel.
With support growing for Stein, these communities are signaling their readiness to break from traditional party lines, prioritizing candidates who align with their values over conventional political considerations. The sentiment among many is that Harris and Trump have become indistinguishable due to their policies, and Stein offers a platform based on principles they can stand behind.
