Muslim faith leaders endorse Harris

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

Oct. 6, 2024, 7:38 PM EDT


A group of imams endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in an open letter shared first with NBC News on Sunday, a critical boost as she steps up her efforts to win back disaffected Muslim voters amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has faced widespread anger from Muslim and Arab voters over the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza, and the community could be critical some battleground states, like Michigan.

The 25 Islamic religious leaders who signed the letter, which comes a year after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack that sparked the war, argue that Muslim voters have a duty to think logically about their voting decisions and that backing Harris “far outweighs the harms of the other options."

“She is a committed ceasefire candidate too and is the best option for ending the bloodshed in Gaza and now Lebanon,” they wrote. The imams argued that former President Donald Trump is a threat to their community.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/kamala-harris/muslim-faith-leaders-endorse-kamala-harris-rcna174190

[SarcasticSatyr]

1. While I'm glad they did, it's hard to see how this was a difficult decision . . .

. . . .

[Novara]

4. This was not an easy decision. Good for them.

Sometimes you have to take the imperfect for the greater good.

I understand Kamala is walking a tightrope because she still is Biden's VP. But I was hoping to hear her say that she would at least reconsider the arms we're sending to Israel.

[BaronChocula]

5. It might be hard to see how this could be a difficult decision

If you're not a Muslim or Palestinian. Just saying.

Trauma takes a toll on what we would otherwise describe as logical reasoning. And not just in this situation.

[cadoman]

8. Muslims and Palestinians would do well to remember the hatred and violence they experienced under TFG

Just saying. History has a way of repeating itself.

Glad to see they came around to the correct decision in the end though.

[BaronChocula]

9. I don't think Palestinians and Muslims need to be reminded

of anything from people outside their own community who can't relate to what they're going through. Nor do they need lectures from outsiders on how to feel.

But I'm also hopeful in their support for Harris.

[TomSlick]

10. There is evidence to the contrary.

There are Palestinian-Americans and Muslim-Americans who refuse to support Harris/Walz because President Biden cannot magically stop Netanyahu. https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/19/uncommitted-no-endorsement-harris-third-party-trump-00180002

No one has a monopoly on disgust about the terror being suffered by the civilians of Gaza and Lebanon. What the "Uncommitted" group refuses to consider is that the plight of the people of Gaza and Lebanon will be worse under Trump. I would not presume to lecture but I marvel at the blindness.

[BaronChocula]

11. Are they REFUSING to consider that?

Or is that just your assessment as an outsider? Just a rhetorical question. No need for you to answer.

I have yet to hear any criticism of the community that isn't condescending, as if they have no ability to reason whatsoever. Have you ever in your life dealt with anyone angry at a harrowing situation out of their control and their first response did not seem reasonable? Many times, people will come around, but what never helps is combative condescension.

[TomSlick]

12. You are, of course, correct.

I cannot understand why Palestinian-Americans and Lebanese-Americans do not see that if Trump is elected, the people of Gaza and Lebanon will be worse off. There is a reason that Netanyahu supports Trump.

No condescension is intended - simply bewilderment. Perhaps you can explain why "Uncommitted" would prefer to see Trump elected than to vote against him.

[BaronChocula]

13. Just please do some research

It may help you realize it's not as simple as "Uncommitted" preferring trump. It may also help you realize they know exactly who trump is and what his motivations are.

And again, your oversimplification of their motives is the last thing that will move them.

It's not just you, obviously. I've seen heaps of posts on this progressive site suggesting angered Palestinians are ignorant or dumb. It IS condescending and it IS arrogant, particularly coming from people with no engagement or knowledge of that community. The people we're talking about didn't land on Planet Earth last night. Among them are highly-educated and well-read individuals and I am sure within their community they are having meaningful discussions and back-and-forths on the issue. As a matter of fact, let me find evidence of that as I write.

Hey, look what I found! Please read this. It may help.
https://forward.com/opinion/651996/dnc-palestinian-election-protest-democrats/

If you keep suggesting that American Muslims/Palestinians/Arabs are unable to "figure things out" I won't respond. I've said all I can.

[TomSlick]

14. I have not questioned Palestinian-American's intelligence.

I have only asked if single issue purity is in their best interests or that of the people in Gaza and Lebanon.

The article you link does not answer my question. Why are Palestinians not best served by Harris being elected? What becomes of Palestinian-Americans if Trump is elected?

[BaronChocula]

15. I appreciate that

And I agree with you.

I just think it's a determination they need to come to on their own considering their grief of seeing loved ones killed by American weapons. I can't relate so I wouldn't dare lecture

I also think suggesting they "refuse to consider" something or they "would prefer to see Trump elected" is gross mischaracterization.

My focus is not on the marginalized, but on maga which opts for pro-fascist choices NOT due to any traumatic personal events but because they're fucking racist assholes.

[TomSlick]

16. It's beyond my ken and ability to influence.

I worry for the country and the world if Trump is elected. I can only hope that people will vote to defend the future.

[Bayard]

2. Good!

This has been worrisome.

[harun]

3. "far outweighs the harms of the other options"

American political choices offered in a nutshell, unfortunately.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

6. So I should expect Rashida Tlaib's endorsement of Harris/Walz in 3...2...1...

... waiting ... holding my breath ...

[OhioTim]

7. Other Imam's Say No To Harris

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/leading-us-imams-and-scholars-urge-muslim-voters-snub-kamala-harris-over-gaza