Know Your Enemy

The Uncommitted Movement (w/ Waleed Shahid & Abbas Alawieh) [Teaser]

Sep 6, 2024

02:45

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Waleed Shahid, an organizer of the Uncommitted Movement, and Abbas Alawieh, an Arab-American delegate to the DNC, discuss their push for change within the Democratic Party. They share insights from their communities regarding the party's stance on Israel-Palestine and the unfulfilled demands they presented at the convention. With a focus on the disconnection between leadership and constituents, they explore potential shifts under a Harris administration and the crucial need for the party to reflect pro-ceasefire sentiments.

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Quick takeaways

The Uncommitted Movement highlights a profound disconnect within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy, particularly concerning military actions in Israel-Palestine.

Voters express a sense of betrayal and a desire for meaningful policy change, reflecting their potential support for Vice President Harris if addressed.

Deep dives

The Need for Policy Change

There's a significant disconnect within the Democratic Party regarding the current stance on foreign policy, particularly concerning military actions. Many party leaders have been urged to reconsider their positions, especially in light of constituents' opposition to ongoing conflicts. A sentiment shared among Democratic voters indicates a desire for leaders to take a stand on policies that affect their communities, suggesting that a shift might be both necessary and politically advantageous. The frustration is palpable as many constituents feel unheard and believe that aligning more closely with their concerns could strengthen political support.

A Call for Democratic Engagement and Mobilization

2min

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Matt and Sam interview Waleed Shahid and Abbas Alawieh, two organizers of the Uncommitted Movement, about their experiences in the months following October 7 as well as before, during, and after the Democratic National Convention. As an Arab-American from Michigan and one of the state's two Uncommitted delegates to the DNC, what has Abbas heard from the people in his community, and what has he heard from his party? Why try to work within the Democratic Party to change its approach to Israel-Palestine? What were the Uncommitted Movement's "asks" at the convention, and why were they all refused? How does the Democratic Party, institutionally, need to change to better reflect the broadly pro-ceasefire views of its voters? And is there any hope that a possible Harris administration will be an improvement on the dreadful status quo?

Sources:

Waleed Shahid, “Why the Uncommitted Movement Was a Success at the DNC,” Jacobin, Aug 27, 2024

"'The Uncommitted Movement Is the Floor of What’s Possible:' An Interview with Waleed Shahid," Dissent, Aug 16, 2024

Ben Terris, "A 'Ceasefire Delegate' Finds Lots to Do but Little to Celebrate," Washington Post, Aug 21, 2024

Akbar Shahid Ahmed, "Gaza War Critics Are Inspired By The 1964 DNC — And They're Playing The Long Game," HuffPost, Aug 23, 2024

Noah Lanard, "Why Were Democrats Afraid to Hear a Palestinian?" Mother Jones, Aug 31, 2024

— "Here Is the Speech That the Uncommitted Movement Wants to Give at the DNC," Mother Jones, Aug 23, 2024

Ta-Nehisi Coates, "A Palestinian American’s Place Under the Democrats’ Big Tent?" Vanity Fair, Aug 21, 2024