Muslim and Arab-American leaders say they’re worried that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as the Democratic vice presidential candidate, won’t push hard enough for a cease-fire in the Middle East.
“Our concern moving forward is that the party and the campaign are relying more on the appearance of change rather than any actual plan for it, specifically with regards to foreign policy, which directly impacts domestic policy as we have witnessed over 10 months,” the group, which operates as Abandon Biden, said in a statement.
The coalition said it hopes Mr. Walz will push for peace in Gaza and end Palestinian suffering but is cautious that he will produce such results.
Abandon Biden formed last fall in the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack in Israel. The Israelis responded with an assault on Gaza, sparking a humanitarian crisis. The Muslim group mounted a campaign to defeat President Biden, then Vice President Kamala Harris, saying their delay in calling for a cease-fire in Gaza amounts to genocide.
Abandon Biden didn’t change its name after Mr. Biden dropped out of the race last month.
It lobbied hard against Ms. Harris selecting Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Jewish Democrat, to be her running mate because of his pro-Israel stance.
During Minnesota’s Democratic primary this year, 18% of voters cast their ballot for “uncommitted” in protest of Mr. Biden’s refusal to call for a cease-fire. Mr. Walz cautioned against criticizing those voters, saying the situation in Gaza is “intolerable.”
However, the governor canceled a meeting with Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza after he learned they planned to make policy demands.
