US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris continue to clash in Michigan, one of the most contested states in the race for the White House, marked by sharp debates over American support for Israel, reported Agence France-Presse, reported BTA.
A large number of Americans of Arab origin live in the state bordering Canada, the agency recalls. They traditionally tend to support the Democratic candidate, but this year they are very critical of Biden, given the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Marwan Farage, a 51-year-old Lebanese-American, explains that he has always voted Democratic, but this year he will turn his back on Kamala Harris, who he says has supported "this ethnic cleansing and this genocide from day one, with the money from our taxes". "We don't want to vote either for Trump, because he looks down on us, or for the Democrats who respected us and who are now giving weapons to Israel," adds Haider Koussan, also of Lebanese origin, who owns a small chain of supermarkets with his brothers.
Although she has not openly broken with Biden, who has given Israel almost unconditional support, Harris is well aware that it could cost her votes in an election where almost every vote counts. The role she plays in the state with the great lakes is very delicate, notes AFP. Yesterday she stated that the death of the leader of "Hamas" Yahya Siunar gives the opportunity to "put an end" of the war in Gaza.
So far, Trump has not yet reacted to the death of the leader of "Hamas". However, he will also be in Michigan today for a big campaign rally in Detroit, where he is likely to highlight how "Michigan families were crushed by inflation under Kamala's failed leadership.
The economy, immigration and abortion are some of the most discussed topics in the election campaign. Eighteen days before the election, the two candidates are nearly tied in each of the most contested, "wavering" states that will tilt the scales for the final victory, notes AFP.