بايدن يلتزم الصمت تجاه التظاهرات الطلابية الرافضة لحرب غزة

Overview

Amidst the ongoing student mobilization at universities across the country against the war in Gaza, President Joe Biden's near silence on the issue has sparked speculation about his motivations, considering the prominence this issue held in his election campaign.

Biden's Response

To date, Biden, who faces Donald Trump in November's presidential election, has publicly addressed the protests only once, stating briefly on April 22 in response to a reporter's question, "I condemn anti-Semitic demonstrations... I also condemn those who don't understand what's going on in terms of the Palestinians." Since then, he has largely avoided the topic, despite clashes between students and police that have resulted in hundreds of arrests on campuses nationwide. His rival, Trump, has taken notice, stating that there is "a big uproar in our country and he doesn't say anything" and calling on university presidents to take back their campuses, while attacking the protesters.

Reasons for Biden's Silence

Alex Keyssar, professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, observes that "the protests have put Biden in a difficult position because he relied heavily on young people, Muslims, and Arab Americans to win in 2020." However, James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, suggests that the White House "seems to be convinced that they'll weather this storm and will still beat Donald Trump in November... That's a dangerous miscalculation." Since the recent Gaza conflict began following Hamas' unprecedented barrage of rockets on May 10, Biden has faced intense criticism for his unwavering support of Israel.

Potential Impact on Biden's Support

A Harvard University poll conducted in mid-April showed Biden leading among Americans under 30: 45% of their vote intentions compared to 37% for Donald Trump, an eight-point lead. However, this is significantly lower than his advantage four years ago. In spring 2020, the Democrat led by 23 points over his Republican opponent.

If a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel is reached by November, the US president may regain some support among young voters. The Biden administration has been pushing for such an agreement for weeks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in Israel on Wednesday that Hamas must say yes to the latest ceasefire proposal offered to them.

Historical Parallels

Should a deal not materialize and campus protests continue, the Democrats will be convening their convention this summer under significant tension. The party is set to formally nominate Biden in August in Chicago. Some commentators have drawn parallels to the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention in the same city, which was marred by protests against the Vietnam War shortly after incumbent President Lyndon Johnson withdrew from the race. At the time, law student Joe Biden distanced himself from the protests. Recalling the sight of students occupying a building at his Syracuse University in a 2007 memoir, he wrote, "Look at those idiots," adding, "That was how out of touch I was with the antiwar movement."