Uncommitted delegates are staging a sit-in protest outside the United Center to push for a Palestinian American speaker at the Democratic National Convention, as Vice President Kamala Harris is set to deliver her keynote address. The movement was sparked by the lack of representation of Palestinian Americans and concerns over the death toll in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.
The Uncommitted National Movement, with about 30 delegates, is advocating for Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric surgeon who treated patients in Gaza, to speak at the convention. They have faced resistance from the Harris campaign, leading to frustration and a rift within the party. Progressive lawmakers like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have called for a cease-fire, garnering support at the convention.
The exclusion of a Palestinian American speaker has led to backlash from organizations like Muslim Women for Harris-Walz and the United Auto Workers, who believe Palestinian voices should be heard. Uncommitted delegates, who were added to the convention for protesting Biden’s support of Israel, are now urging for a ceasefire and arms embargo on Israel.
The movement, which originated in Michigan, has now gained national attention with delegates from different states. They are calling for equal representation for all voices in the Democratic Party and hope that Harris will address their concerns. The fight for a Palestinian American speaker at the convention continues with uncommitted delegates leading the charge.
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