Harris and Trump duel in battleground state of Michigan

(CLO) Kamala Harris stressed that it was time to “end the suffering” in the Middle East while Donald Trump visited a Muslim-majority city on Friday, as they battled for the support of Arab-American voters in the battleground state of Michigan.

In a rare reference to Israel’s war against Hamas and Hezbollah, Ms Harris said: “This year has been really difficult, given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon.”

She said the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar “can and must be a turning point… and everyone must seize this opportunity to end the war in Gaza, bring the hostages home and end the suffering once and for all”.

Kamala Harris campaigned in Waterford Township, Michigan, USA on October 18. Photo: AP

Trump, meanwhile, has avoided being specific about his plans for the Middle East, but he said he doesn't think the Arab-American community will vote for Harris "because she doesn't know what she's doing."

In addition, Mr. Trump hinted that he would try to ask Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to curb military operations that have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in the Middle East.

Michigan is one of three “blue wall” states, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, that will help decide the election on November 5. Notably, Michigan is unique in that it has a significant Arab-American population, who have been deeply disappointed by the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Lebanon.

Trump is trying to capitalize on Arab frustration with the Biden-Harris administration. The Republican candidate visited a new campaign office in Hamtramck, one of America’s only majority-Muslim cities, and was joined by Mayor Amer Ghalib, a Democrat who has supported Trump.

Mr. Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Detroit, Michigan, USA on October 18. Photo: AP

Mr. Trump’s campaign has in recent months stepped up its engagement with community leaders in Michigan, where Mr. Biden won by less than 3 points in 2020.

Asked about Mayor Hamtramck's endorsement, Mr Trump said: "Frankly, it's an honor. I've had a lot of support, Arab Americans, from a lot of people."

While foreign policy has rarely influenced US elections in the past, the war in the Middle East is a major concern for many Arab-American voters in Michigan.

This Midwestern state has about 8.4 million voters and will give the winner 15 Electoral College votes out of the 270 needed to win.

In addition to Arab-American voters, Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump are fighting hard to win the support of Michigan's seniors, unions and working class.

Bui Huy (according to AP, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bau-cu-my-2024-ba-harris-va-ong-trump-quyet-dau-vi-nguoi-goc-a-rap-o-bang-chien-truong-michigan-post317493.html