Around 20% of Minnesota Democratic voters made a significant statement during Tuesday’s presidential primary by selecting “uncommitted” as their choice, underscoring growing discontent with President Joe Biden’s support for Israel amidst the escalating civilian casualties in the Gaza conflict.
With over 45,000 votes cast for “uncommitted,” the figure surpassed the number of votes received by Biden’s challenger, Rep. Dean Phillips, who garnered just under 19,000 votes.
This trend echoes a similar phenomenon observed in Michigan, where over 100,000 votes were cast as “uncommitted,” comprising more than 13% of the total turnout.
Minnesota Democrats (Credits: Al Jazeera)
Various groups have been vocal in their opposition to Biden due to his unwavering backing of Israeli actions resulting in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including numerous women and children, following a Hamas attack in October that claimed over 1,200 lives in Israel and led to the capture of roughly 250 individuals.
Minnesota’s “uncommitted” campaign commenced on February 26 with a modest budget of $20,000 allocated for voter outreach, aiming to engage 5,000 voters.
The overwhelming turnout, exceeding 45,000 votes, has earned the group the opportunity to send at least one delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this year.
Hassan Abdel Salam, a human rights professor at the University of Minnesota and a key figure in the Abandon Biden campaign, expressed surprise at the turnout. He stressed the extraordinary nature of the result and attributed it to the dedication of campaigners and organizers.
Governor Tim Walz addressed the protest vote, acknowledging its message about the desire for a change in approach to the Gaza conflict. While expressing confidence that Biden will regain the support of these voters, Walz acknowledged the significance of their concerns.
Similar dissent was observed in other Super Tuesday states, with notable percentages of Democratic voters in North Carolina and Massachusetts opting for “no preference” on their ballots.
Cicia Lee, an organizer based in Massachusetts, emphasized the demand for a ceasefire and urged Biden and elected officials to heed the voices of Democratic voters.
As other states prepare for their primaries, initiatives such as the Listen to Georgia Coalition are mobilizing to replicate the success of the “uncommitted” movement, sending a clear message to politicians that policies must align with the people’s will to avoid repercussions at the polls.
