Inside the Push to Get Palestinian Speakers on the DNC Main Stage
Introduction:
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago is set to feature a lineup of prominent Democratic Party figures, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. However, there is a notable absence of any Palestinian American voices among the speakers. Uncommitted Democratic delegates and political leaders, led by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, are urging DNC officials to rectify this omission by including two Palestinian American speakers on the convention’s main stage to address the ongoing war in Gaza.
Demand for Palestinian American Speakers:
The Uncommitted National Movement, a group advocating for Palestinian American representation, has demanded that Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care physician who has treated patients in Gaza, be given a speaking slot at the convention. Additionally, the group is pushing for a second speaking slot for an as-of-yet unnamed Palestinian American speaker. The movement has proposed several Palestinian American Democratic leaders as potential speakers, including Illinois state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman, Colorado state Rep. Iman Jodeh, and Virginia Delegate Sam Rasoul. However, DNC officials have yet to announce their decision on whether to include the requested speakers.
Efforts to Secure Representation:
Waleed Shahid, a Democratic strategist advising the Uncommitted movement, revealed that they have been proposing names of possible Palestinian American speakers to DNC officials multiple times a day. While they have not received a response, Shahid noted that they have not received a definitive “no” either. The lack of response from the DNC has raised concerns among movement leaders that the party officials may be stalling before ultimately denying their request.
Panel Discussion on Palestinian Human Rights:
To address the issue of Palestinian human rights, a panel discussion was held at the convention. However, this was seen as insufficient by those seeking representation on the main stage. James Zogby, founder and director of the Arab American Institute, who participated in the panel, emphasized that it should not be seen as an alternative to having a Palestinian American speaker on the main stage.
Divisions within the Democratic Party:
The push for Palestinian speakers at the convention highlights divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the U.S. stance on Israel’s war in Gaza. This conflict has resulted in the death of thousands of Palestinians and has led human rights organizations and activists to accuse Israel of committing genocide. The United Nations’ top court is currently presiding over genocide charges brought against Israel. As a protest against President Joe Biden’s policy on Gaza, including unconditional military aid to Israel, many Democratic voters marked themselves as “uncommitted” during primary elections. The Uncommitted National Movement includes delegates from various states and is calling for an arms embargo to be included in the party’s platform.
Efforts to Engage Vice President Harris:
The Uncommitted movement is seeking specific commitments from Vice President Harris regarding a change in policy towards Gaza. They want to know how she intends to support a policy that will stop supplying weapons that are being used to kill civilians. The movement believes that a mere change in leadership without a concrete plan to end the killing will not be sufficient to win back voters.
Conclusion:
The push for Palestinian American speakers at the Democratic National Convention reflects the growing demand for representation and a change in policy towards Gaza within the Democratic Party. While the DNC has yet to announce its decision, the Uncommitted movement continues to advocate for Palestinian voices to be heard on the main stage. The ongoing protests and legal actions surrounding the issue highlight the urgency and importance of addressing the concerns of Palestinian Americans and their allies within the party.
