The Top Muslim State Lawmaker in Michigan Wants You to Turn on Joe Biden [View all]

[RandySF]

In late October, the Democratic floor leader of the Michigan House of Representatives, Abraham Aiyash, stood in front of thousands gathered in downtown Detroit to denounce a man who is vying to win another four years in the Oval Office.

He spoke with the same urgency he had in 2020, when he addressed another crowd in Detroit to condemn then-President Donald Trump’s attempt to halt the vote count in the critical swing state. But now, he had a different target in mind.

“We’re talking about Joe Biden,” Aiyash bellowed from a raised platform into a sea of red, white, green and black flags rippling in the wind — the colors of the Palestinian flag. “He stood with no spine and did not demand peace for the Palestinians, did not demand peace for the Israelis — but instead, continues to fund a genocide.”

At just 28 years old, Aiyash rocketed into political prominence last year, becoming the first Arab American House majority leader in history. Now 30, he’s emerged as one of Biden’s fiercest Democratic critics over the administration’s support for Israel. He’s shot down bipartisan legislation regarding Israel, ruffled feathers on both sides of the aisle and drawn national headlines for taking part in high-profile protests of the war. Now, he is planning to use Tuesday’s presidential primary as a warning: If Biden continues to financially support Israel’s offensive in Gaza and fails to call for a permanent cease-fire, Michigan’s Arab American voters could bring their animosity to the polls — or stay home. Aiyash has signed onto a “Listen to Michigan” campaign, pledging to vote “uncommitted” on Tuesday and urging other Democrats to do the same. As for the general election, if Biden doesn’t budge, Aiyash said he’s genuinely conflicted about how to vote. He’s considering leaving the top of his ticket blank.


https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/02/26/abraham-aiyash-biden-michigan-primary-00143347