NPR Here & Now: Activists in WA hope for big 'uncommitted' vote
The Biden Administration started dropping humanitarian assistance this weekend in Gaza, and Vice President Harris yesterday called for an immediate six-week ceasefire…
Faheem Khan, general secretary of the Muslim Advancement Council: “Like me, many felt like there is no choice on the ballot, and then uncommitted delegates came up as a really good choice to send a message to the Biden administration. That their diverse voter base and volunteers who worked for the Biden administration in 2020 are not aligned with their policies now. So a lot of volunteers got together in less than 7 days.
…It’s definitely a challenge with the time that we have, but by Tuesday or Wednesday, the largest union in our state endorsed. And the day after we launched our campaign, a Washingtonian found us on Instagram saying she had torn and thrown her ballot away, and this campaign gave her hope. We know this voice is reaching the silent majority.”
Peter: “Do you think the White House is listening, adjusting even?”
Faheem: “I believe that seems like a direct result of what happened in Michigan….”
Peter: “What would satisfy you?”
Faheem: “We want to see the Biden administration call for an immediate and complete ceasefire, followed through with consequences. We have asked Israel to follow through with international law when it comes to the war, but Israel has always undermined the U.S.’s guidance on that…what happens if Israel doesn’t follow the ceasefire? Is President Biden’s administration going to stop funding Israel? Is America going to continue to provide our tax dollars? Are they going to provide immediate relief to the people in Gaza suffering famine? And are we going to have a policy change and help the Palestinians have a right to self determination? There’s so many things yet to be seen. Calling for a ceasefire is a good start…There’s a lot of time between now and November; I hope the Biden administration gives me a good reason to vote for him again.”
