The Democratic National Convention has become a focal point for internal party tensions as organizers have decided that pro-Palestinian delegates will not get speaking slot at convention. This decision comes amid growing pressure from “uncommitted” delegates who have been withholding their support for Vice President Kamala Harris in protest of the Biden administration’s staunch support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The denial of a platform to discuss the devastation in Gaza has sparked disappointment and criticism, underscoring the challenges the Democratic Party faces in maintaining unity while addressing divisive foreign policy issues.
 The Uncommitted Movement’s Push for Recognition
The “uncommitted” delegates, numbering around three dozen, have been at the forefront of a movement seeking to influence the Democratic Party’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. For weeks, they have been in negotiations with the Harris campaign, requesting policy positions and in-person meetings to address the concerns of Arab and Muslim Americans. Their primary goal has been to secure a speaking slot for someone who could recount the impact of the war in Gaza, bringing attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The movement had suggested several potential speakers, including Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric surgeon who has worked in Gaza during the war, Illinois state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, and Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman. These individuals were seen as capable of providing firsthand accounts and perspectives on the conflict that the movement felt were crucial for the convention delegates to hear.
Pro-Palestinian delegates will not get speaking slot at convention
The decision to deny a speaking slot to pro-Palestinian voices was finalized after the program on the third night of the convention had already begun. Convention organizers did not provide a specific reason for the denial, but it’s believed that many Democratic leaders were concerned that such a speech from the podium would threaten the unity that has been a central theme of the convention.
This decision has been met with strong reactions from various quarters. Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, expressed his disappointment, stating, “That’s unacceptable to us. This is not over.” The sentiment was echoed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who took to social media to call for the convention to reverse its decision. She argued that denying this story is participating in the dehumanization of Palestinians and urged the DNC to “change course and affirm our shared humanity.”
Efforts at Accommodation and Ongoing Tensions
Despite the setback regarding the speaking slot, it’s important to note that the Harris campaign and convention organizers have made efforts to accommodate pro-Palestinian concerns. These efforts include providing extra passes for uncommitted delegates’ staff and friends to attend the convention, offering space for a news conference, and facilitating a panel for Palestinians – a first in convention history.
At this panel, powerful testimonies were shared. Tanya Haj-Hassan spoke about treating children who had lost their families in Gaza, while Hala Hijazi, a Democratic Party organizer, recounted losing dozens of family members in the conflict, including two killed in the week leading up to the convention.
Moreover, several convention speakers have addressed the conflict from the main stage, albeit to varying degrees. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) made the strongest statement, calling for an end to the “horrific war in Gaza” and demanding an immediate ceasefire. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) defended Vice President Harris, noting her efforts to secure a ceasefire and bring hostages home. Even President Joe Biden acknowledged that the protesters outside the convention hall “have a point.”
These efforts at accommodation and acknowledgment, however, have not fully assuaged the concerns of the uncommitted delegates and their supporters. The denial of a main stage speaking slot remains a significant point of contention, viewed by many as a missed opportunity to directly address one of the most pressing international issues facing the Democratic administration.
The situation highlights the delicate balance the Democratic Party is trying to strike. On one hand, there’s a need to maintain the strong support for Israel that has long been a hallmark of the party’s foreign policy. On the other hand, there’s growing pressure from a vocal segment of the party’s base to take a more critical stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza and to show more support for Palestinian rights and humanitarian concerns.
This tension is not new, but it has been brought into sharper focus by the current conflict in Gaza and the approaching presidential election. The uncommitted movement represents a challenge to the party’s traditional stance, pushing for a reevaluation of U.S. policy towards Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The decision not to provide a speaking slot for pro-Palestinian voices at the convention may have been aimed at avoiding controversy and maintaining a united front. However, it risks alienating a segment of the party’s base, particularly young voters and Arab and Muslim Americans, who have been increasingly vocal about their concerns regarding U.S. policy in the Middle East.
Looking ahead, the Democratic Party will need to navigate these complex issues carefully. The response to the Gaza conflict has the potential to impact voter turnout and enthusiasm, particularly in key swing states with significant Arab and Muslim American populations.
As the convention concludes and the campaign moves forward, the fact that pro-Palestinian delegates will not get speaking slot at convention remains a point of contention. This decision reflects the broader challenges the Democratic Party faces in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while maintaining party unity. The uncommitted movement’s push for recognition, though not fully successful at the convention, has nonetheless brought increased attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the concerns of Arab and Muslim American voters.
Moving forward, the Harris campaign and the Democratic Party as a whole will need to find ways to address these concerns while balancing other foreign policy priorities. The outcome of this balancing act could have significant implications for party unity, voter enthusiasm, and ultimately, the success of the Democratic ticket in the upcoming election. As the world continues to watch the situation in Gaza unfold, the pressure on U.S. political leaders to address this issue in a meaningful way is likely to persist, ensuring that it remains a key topic of debate in the months to come.
