The ongoing conflict has sparked a significant intraparty divide within the Democratic Party over how to approach Israel, and this debate may reach its climax at the party’s convention this summer.
Critics within the party who oppose U.S. assistance to Israel during the Hamas conflict have united behind a movement to challenge President Biden in the Democratic primaries. Their protest vote takes the form of casting ballots as “uncommitted.” This movement has gained traction and even secured a number of delegates who will attend the convention in Chicago this August.
There is growing concern among Democrats that the divisions currently being witnessed will only intensify as the party moves closer to the quadrennial process of approving its official platform this summer.
Heather Gautney, a member of the 2020 Democratic platform drafting committee, expressed her belief that there will be significant protests on this issue at the convention. She mentioned that she would be surprised if there weren’t any. Unfortunately, Gautney doesn’t think there’s much that Biden can do to change this situation between now and then.
Every four years, each political party crafts its platform, outlining its stance on various issues that impact the nation. In 2020, President Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) took steps to bridge the gap between the different factions within the Democratic Party. This was done through the establishment of task forces, following a competitive primary battle between the two.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) formed a drafting committee to develop the exact language of the platform, drawing from task forces that tackled key issues. While the committee was mostly composed of Biden supporters, it also included a significant representation of Sanders supporters.
The committee conducted several public hearings where individuals provided testimony regarding its proposals. Eventually, the committee submitted the platform to the DNC for final approval at the convention.
However, according to former members of the drafting committee, the extensive process that took place in previous years may not be necessary in 2024. This is because President Biden is not expected to face significant opposition for his nomination.
According to Gautney, a professor of sociology at Fordham University, the Biden campaign may choose to handle the internal party dissent over the Gaza situation in a more discreet manner. Instead of a public confrontation, they may opt for a more diplomatic approach, allowing for a nuanced discussion on the issue that won’t negatively impact Biden’s political standing.
“I’m not entirely certain about this year’s dynamic, as there seems to be a lack of representation from the Bernie Sanders wing,” she expressed. “Since he is running unopposed, there doesn’t appear to be the same level of pressure or influence from his faction.”
However, she pointed out that Biden has faced and will likely continue to face challenges due to the party’s internal disagreement regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Biden has been navigating a delicate path for several months as the death toll continues to rise in Gaza due to Israel’s offensive in response to the Hamas attack on October 7th, claiming the lives of 1,200 individuals. This internal party criticism has now become a political challenge for him, prompting him to express his strongest criticism to date regarding the Israeli government’s management of the conflict during a recent phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During their conversation, President Biden conveyed to Prime Minister Netanyahu that the United States’ stance regarding the ongoing conflict would be contingent upon Israel’s ability to enhance the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel. This exchange followed an unfortunate incident where seven World Central Kitchen workers, who were engaged in providing food assistance to individuals in Gaza, tragically lost their lives due to an Israeli airstrike.
Many Democrats in Congress are advocating for conditions to be placed on further aid to Israel, with a focus on protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian relief reaches those in need. This has led to internal divisions within the party, making it challenging to create a unified policy that satisfies all Democrats.
The 2020 Democratic platform affirms the party’s dedication to ensuring Israel’s security and its right to self-defense. It emphasizes the importance of a two-state solution in resolving the conflict and acknowledges the value of every Israeli and Palestinian. Furthermore, the platform opposes any unilateral actions taken by either side that could hinder the prospects of achieving two independent states.
According to Gautney, the 2024 platform might bear resemblance to the 2020 one as Biden has largely adhered to its language. However, the emphasis could shift towards addressing the state of division rather than solely focusing on the platform itself.
According to the interviewee, the language of the platform may not be the main focus, but it is expected that people will express their dissent at the convention.
Jim Zogby, an experienced individual in drafting various platforms in previous election years, expresses uncertainty about the specific content of the platform point regarding Israel. However, he anticipates that it will be “largely cooked,” a common approach typically taken when addressing matters in the Middle East.
According to James Zogby, the president of the Arab American Institute, the administration has not engaged in discussions with the Arab American community regarding policy positions. While meetings have taken place with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the White House has yet to convene with them.
“I will persist in my hope to bring about a shift in policy, a shift in language, and a genuine effort to grasp and address our concerns,” he stated. “This is crucial not only for the upcoming November, but also for the sake of implementing effective policies. However, thus far, they have not displayed any inclination to do so.”
According to Zogby, the administration has been reaching out to Arab American leaders in different states. However, these meetings have primarily been centered around gaining their support rather than engaging in policy discussions.
During those meetings, participants expressed their frustration as they were eager to discuss important matters such as policy, cease-fire, and aid to Israel. However, to their disappointment, there was no opportunity to engage in dialogue regarding these issues.
Zogby categorizes himself as part of the “change Biden” group rather than the “abandon Biden” group. However, he acknowledges that the abandon Biden movement is gaining momentum with each passing day, pointing to the recent sale of F-35 fighter jets to Israel as evidence.
According to him, if all these issues come together, it could result in the platform being perceived as “another slap in the face” for those who are already frustrated with the administration. This could potentially lead to protests at the convention.
Zogby expressed concern about the likelihood of protests occurring, emphasizing that it would be challenging to prevent them. Drawing a parallel to the anti-Vietnam War protests during the 1968 Democratic convention, he highlighted the potentially dangerous nature of the current environment. He further warned that there is a possibility of history repeating itself with a turbulent scenario reminiscent of the events in Chicago during ’68.
According to Democratic strategist Jon Reinish, the level of intensity in the protests will vary depending on the current state of the war. However, he noted that Biden’s tone has shifted in the recent days following the tragic deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers.
“The current strategy has been going on for an extended period, and no one is emerging as the clear winner,” he stated. “Therefore, Biden’s stance on this matter is entirely accurate, and I believe that the party is also correct in acknowledging the need to not only support our ally but also demonstrate to their constituents that they understand the worsening situation on the ground.”
According to him, it is anticipated that Biden will allow the protests to continue, as he has not made any arguments against party members expressing their opinions. He believes that the protests occurring during the convention are not necessarily detrimental. However, he sees Biden’s response to the workers’ deaths as a significant moment that will bring about a new phase in the war.
According to Reinish, the significance of factual information lies in its proper observation and effective communication. He believes that when people witness and comprehend the changing realities that lead to a more acceptable state of affairs, it can have an impact on the intensity of their protests. However, he acknowledges that not every protester will immediately put down their bullhorns as a result.
