Democratic National Convention: Examining the Democratic Party’s Stance on Gaza
Introduction
The Democratic National Convention held in Chicago this week shed light on an important issue that has been a topic of debate within the Democratic Party – Israel’s war on Gaza. In this podcast special by The Intercept, senior politics reporter Akela Lacy, reporting from the convention, joins senior editor Ali Gharib to discuss the Democrats’ approach to the war and analyze Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech, which took place on Thursday night.
Harris’s Potential Impact on Gaza Policy
Leading up to the convention, the ascension of Kamala Harris as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party raised hopes for a potential shift in the party’s approach to Gaza. Activists and delegates organized protests in the streets, advocating for a Palestinian speaker on the main stage. New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez even mentioned Harris’s role in the war, which sparked some indirect criticism from another member of the progressive Squad.
The Inclusion of Gaza in Harris’s Speech
By Thursday night, the war on Gaza found its way into Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech. However, the question remains: Did her words truly indicate a change in policy that Palestine solidarity advocates were hoping for?
Analyzing Harris’s Passive Voice
One notable aspect of Harris’s speech was her mention of Palestinian suffering, but it was done in the passive voice. This choice of language raises questions about the intention and impact of her words. By using the passive voice, Harris may have inadvertently shifted the focus away from the responsibility of those involved in the conflict, potentially diluting the urgency of addressing the root causes of Palestinian suffering.
The Need for Active Engagement
While it is commendable that Harris acknowledged Palestinian suffering, it is crucial for the Democratic Party to actively engage in finding a solution to the ongoing conflict. Mere rhetoric without concrete actions may not bring about the desired change. It is imperative for the party to reassess its stance on Gaza and work towards a more proactive approach that addresses the underlying issues and promotes a just and lasting resolution.
Conclusion
The Democratic National Convention provided a platform for discussing the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel’s war on Gaza. Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech, although mentioning Palestinian suffering, left room for further analysis regarding the party’s commitment to actively addressing the conflict. Moving forward, it is essential for the party to take concrete steps towards a more proactive and effective approach that aligns with the principles of justice and peace.
