In Michigan, a crucial swing state in the US, Democratic voters of Arab and Middle Eastern descent express that Kamala Harris will need to regain their support, following their disenchantment with President Joe Biden's response to Israel's military actions in Gaza. The city of Dearborn, a significant cultural center for Arab Americans with a population of 110,000, could be pivotal in the November presidential election. Community members interviewed by AFP indicated a willingness to consider Harris's stance, contrasting sharply with their previous antagonism towards Biden. "We are currently in a listening phase," stated Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News. During her acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination, Harris committed to securing a ceasefire in Gaza and upholding the Palestinians' rights to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. However, pro-Palestinian delegates were dismayed when their request to speak at the convention was denied. The group Muslim Women for Harris-Walz criticized this decision as sending a "terrible message" and announced their disbanding and withdrawal of support from the campaign. Harris, who has pledged not to remain silent on Palestinian suffering, recently met with leaders of the national "Uncommitted" movement, which strongly opposed Biden during the Democratic primaries. Although no concrete promises were made, her display of empathy left a positive impression. Central to concerns are Israel's ten months of military operations in Gaza, which have severely impacted the Palestinian territory since the conflict began in response to Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Michigan, known for its major automakers — Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler — has historically been a critical stop for presidential hopefuls. Economic challenges in the 1970s led to an exodus from the state, while Middle Eastern unrest brought waves of Lebanese, Iraqi, Yemeni, and Palestinian immigrants. "We are a global city, where nearly 55 percent of our residents are of Arab descent," noted Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. "When discussing Gaza, these are our family and friends." Dearborn, birthplace of Henry Ford, initially appears like any typical American small city, yet it also houses the Islamic Center of America — the nation's largest mosque — and numerous Middle Eastern markets, restaurants, and cafes. Siblani recalls the former mayor's campaign to address the "Arab problem" when he started his newspaper in the 1980s. However, as the community expanded and its members advanced into various professional fields, their political influence grew. Historically conservative, Arab and Muslim Americans initially favored George W. Bush in 2000. The subsequent years of the US "War on Terror," involving conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan and increased scrutiny of Muslim American communities, shifted their allegiance to the Democratic party. In 2018, southeast Michigan elected Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American to Congress, marking a significant achievement for the community. Additionally, three Arab-American mayors were recently elected in historically racist suburban areas. Frustrated by former President Donald Trump's policies, including a travel ban on Muslim countries and support for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Dearborn voters overwhelmingly supported Biden in 2020, narrowly securing Michigan for the Democrats. However, residents are now weary of voting for the "lesser of two evils" and seek candidates who will address their demands, such as a permanent ceasefire and an end to arms supplies to Israel. "I believe VP Harris has a chance," commented Faye Nemer, a community activist and CEO of the Mena American Chamber of Commerce. "She can either uphold President Biden's legacy or establish her own agenda." Arab Americans in Dearborn have been favorably impressed by Harris's choice of Tim Walz as her running mate, who has adopted a reconciliatory stance towards war opponents, unlike Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. However, expectations are rising. "We no longer want mere tokens," asserted Soujoud Hamade, a business lawyer and longtime Democrat, who threatened to vote for the Green Party's Jill Stein if Harris fails to meet expectations on the campaign trail.