Jade Gray, the anxious Democrat, will soon delve into the worrisome aspect. However, experiencing the culmination of my college journey amidst a backdrop of demonstrations and protests was a truly significant and memorable moment.
During an interview at the University of Michigan Student Union, Gray mentioned that this campus has a notable background of protests and a strong legacy of social justice movements.
“It was mentioned in my application letter,” she reiterated with a smile. I am pleased to see that this is the response on campus now. Despite the challenging circumstances, I must admit that I am quite impressed with the way people are handling the current situation. And I believe we should feel empowered and inspired by that.
Now onto the concerning aspect.
Gray spoke to us alongside fellow recent graduate Anushka Jalisatgi. As co-presidents of the campus College Democrats, they are well aware of the pro-Gaza encampment that emerged on campus during the last weeks of school. This development highlights significant political challenges for President Joe Biden in a state that he cannot afford to lose.
“Michigan is a crucial state in the race to the White House,” Gray stated. Michigan is a highly contested state, which is quite surprising to me at the moment. And it’s unfortunate that I have to say this at the moment. But I am sincerely worried about the direction Michigan will take.
Jalisatgi is eagerly looking forward to returning to campus in September to begin law school. They are hopeful that there won’t be any encampment during that time.
“Joe Biden has the power to ensure that there isn’t,” she stated. And that begins by advocating for a halt in hostilities, and by attentively considering the concerns of his student voters nationwide.
A sign displayed in the encampment at the University of Michigan in May 2024.
A sign displayed at the University of Michigan encampment in May 2024. The popular news network,political lines
Jalisatgi and Gray are involved in a 2024 political lines project that aims to provide a unique perspective on the presidential campaign. They will be closely following voters in battleground states who belong to voting blocs that have a significant impact on the final outcome.
Biden’s success in Michigan can be attributed in part to the support he received from younger voters. According to exit polling, Biden secured 61% of the votes from individuals aged 18-29, while Donald Trump only managed to garner 37%. Michigan Democrats achieved significant victories in the 2022 midterm elections, with younger voters playing a crucial role in their success.
However, our discussions revealed significant challenges for Biden in 2024 when it comes to this particular group, which were even more pronounced compared to our earlier interactions with these voters in mid-November.
That occurred shortly after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. The campus activism, which was critical of the Israeli response and Biden’s handling of the crisis, was just starting to gain momentum.
Now, campus activism has become a defining chapter for many young voters.
Dampened enthusiasm for voting for Biden
Summer Matkin, for instance, was just starting her college journey when we initially met her at Wayne State last November. Last week, we circled back to her home in suburban Detroit.
She described her first year at college as a rather stressful experience.
Last autumn, she expressed significant concerns about the president’s age. However, when questioned about her preference in a potential Biden-Trump rematch on the November ballot, she didn’t hesitate to share her choice.
During a November interview at Wayne State’s computer gaming lounge, she expressed her preference for Biden.
Matkin’s anticipation for her first presidential vote was evident as she spoke about it last autumn. Are you still feeling enthusiastic?
“Doubtful.”
That’s because Matkin has additional inquiries regarding Biden.
Summer Matkin interviews John King in a suburban area of Detroit in May 2024.
Summer Matkin interviews John King in a suburban area of Detroit in May 2024. political lines
She mentioned that his age will always be a factor in her perception of him. It’s impossible for you to truly understand us, no matter how many Taylor Swift references you make. But in my opinion, his approach to the situation between Israel and Palestine has been quite poor.
Matkin continues to support Biden, as she strongly opposes the idea of Trump returning to the White House. However, she is engaged in a lively discussion with her friends.
Matkin expressed his interest in exploring alternative political options. Many individuals in our generation are also contemplating the option of supporting third-party candidates. However, there is a concern that the votes may be divided, potentially leading to a situation where Trump gains an advantage, which is not desirable.
A tepid endorsement
There was some progress for Biden in our group.
Wayne State student Maya Siegmann was likely Biden when we spoke in November. Certain Biden, she says now. Though her endorsement was hardly overwhelming.
“His age definitely is still a barrier,” Siegmann said in an interview at her suburban Detroit home. “I do still think there should be an age cap on politics in general. … I would vote Biden. I think that he’s the less bad option for president.”
She is thrilled with her grades. But Siegmann, who is Jewish, is more thrilled this school year is over — providing a glimpse into the fear of many Jewish students from the nationwide campus unrest.
“It was terrifying. It was terrifying,” she said of the past semester. “The escalation on other campuses has made me fear for my campus.”
Maya Siegmann works in suburban Detroit in May 2024. political lines
Wayne State was relatively calm. There were modest protests and on a couple of occasions the campus Hillel organization was locked down as a precaution when pro-Palestinian students demonstrated at the student union building where the campus Jewish organization has its offices.
Siegmann told us in November she was excited to join a breakdancing club. This visit, she told us she quit because it held a fundraiser for Palestinians and she feared the money would end up going to Hamas.
Siegmann said when she asked a club leader questions about the event, he blocked her phone number.
It happened again, Siegmman said, when a Jewish student and former Hillel member became highly critical of Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas attacks.
“She asked for unbiased proof that Hamas is trying to eradicate the Jewish people,” Siegmann said. “I sent her the Hamas charter. And then she blocked me.”
Siegmann’s father is Israeli and she is spending the summer in Israel. But her unflinching support of the Jewish state is separate from her views of the Israeli government, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I personally don’t agree with how he is operating,” she told us. “I think he is trying to prolong the war. … I think there should be a new prime minister of Israel.”
Eyeing third-party options
Similar to Siegmann, Ibrahim Ghazal, a law student at Wayne State, offers a nuanced perspective that is often absent in political discussions surrounding the conflict and campus protests.
Ghazal has Palestinian heritage and has distant relatives in Gaza. However, he does not support Hamas and recognizes Israel’s right to counter terrorism.
During a break in his finals work, Ghazal expressed his strong opposition to human rights violations. If war is to be waged, it must be done in accordance with international law, adhering to the principles of the rule of law. That’s all people are requesting. That’s all.
Our November visit occurred just five weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks, and it was evident that Biden’s reputation among Michigan’s Arab and Muslim communities was suffering. Ghazal mentioned that the president’s situation has significantly deteriorated.
What actions will he take to secure our vote? Ghazal inquired. Providing assistance to Israel without addressing the concerns raised by international agencies regarding human rights violations, and obstructing independent investigations into potential war crimes.
Well, that’s a problem. If President Biden truly cared about the well-being of Palestinians and the people of Gaza, he would undoubtedly support impartial investigations and inquiries. If Biden hopes to secure specific votes, he must consider altering his approach.
Ibrahim Ghazal has a conversation with John King in downtown Detroit in May 2024.
Ibrahim Ghazal has a conversation with John King in downtown Detroit in May 2024. Popular news network
Ghazal mentioned that due to his busy schedule with school, he hasn’t had the opportunity to allocate time for researching third-party presidential options. However, he intends to dedicate some time during the summer to conduct thorough research. According to him, several acquaintances are also searching for a third party.
“Yeah, that’s certainly a topic worth discussing,” Ghazal remarked. It seems that there is a lack of enthusiasm for voting for Biden.
The sentiment was supported by the results of Michigan’s Democratic presidential primary. In the three Michigan communities with the highest number of voters of Arab descent – Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and Hamtramck – Biden faced defeat against the “uncommitted” option on the ballot.
However, Ghazal does not support Trump and mentioned that he recognizes that abstaining from voting or choosing a third party candidate could potentially benefit the expected GOP nominee in Michigan.
However, he is willing to take action if he does not witness a significant change from Biden.
“I haven’t closed the door yet because I believe there’s still a chance for him to change his course,” Ghazal explained.
Comparing Biden to his GOP opponent
Recent University of Michigan graduates Jalisatgi and Gray are committed to being active supporters of Biden in the upcoming fall, despite the conclusion of their involvement with College Democrats and their own reservations about him.
Jalisatgi is returning to Missouri for the summer. Gray is already employed by a Michigan progressive organization. Both individuals are optimistic that a pause in campus protests and demonstrations will provide younger voters with the opportunity to gain perspective on a larger scale.
A protester proudly waves a Palestinian flag while the Secretary of the Navy addresses the audience at the University of Michigan’s 2024 spring commencement.
During the University of Michigan’s 2024 spring commencement, a protester boldly displayed a Palestinian flag while the Secretary of the Navy was delivering remarks. The popular news network, political lines
“There is no alternative,” Gray stated firmly. “I have no intention of supporting the individual currently facing legal proceedings, who has been accused of instigating an insurrection and appointing three individuals to the Supreme Court who have made significant changes to abortion rights.” Who has unfairly targeted and marginalized the LGBTQ community, to which I belong. … I understand that there is frustration with Biden, and it is true that some of his decisions have been inexcusable. However, it is important to recognize the necessity of voting for him.
Currently, however, emotions are running high.
Countless individuals in Gaza and throughout Palestine have been forced to leave their homes. There have been instances of starvation and loss of life,” Jalisatgi stated.
It ultimately boils down to individuals’ personal assessments of the president’s motives.