Leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement have initiated a sit-in outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago after their request for a Palestinian American speaker was denied.
According to a report by CNN, the group's co-founder, Abbas Alawieh, was informed by convention officials that their request would not be granted, partly to avoid distracting from Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance speech.
The sit-in, now in its second day, began on Wednesday night when Alawieh and other uncommitted delegates positioned themselves outside the United Center. The group, which emerged during the Democratic presidential primary to protest the Biden administration's support for Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza, is demanding a speaking slot for a Palestinian American at the convention.
Democratic National Committee officials have not publicly commented on the situation. However, Ian Sams, a senior adviser to Vice President Harris, addressed the issue, stating that the Uncommitted group has a right to be heard and that the convention has engaged with them through dedicated conversations and meetings.
Sams emphasized the Vice President's efforts alongside President Biden to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. He suggested that the administration's actions should be the focus rather than the speaking slot controversy.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes expressed support for the Uncommitted group's request. Barnes stated that these voters are part of the Democratic family and have a right to voice their concerns.
The sit-in has garnered support from several prominent Democratic figures and organizations. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Cori Bush have joined the protesters, with Bush drawing parallels to her own activism in Ferguson, Missouri. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has also voiced her support on social media, urging the DNC to reconsider its decision.
The United Auto Workers union, whose president spoke at the convention earlier in the week, issued a statement backing the Uncommitted group.
They accused the party of ignoring Palestinian American voices and called for a Palestinian American speaker to be heard from the DNC stage.
The controversy has sparked a debate within the Democratic Party. Some Harris allies, including former UN Ambassador Susan Rice, have questioned the group's demands, noting that they haven't pledged their support to the Vice President.
Democratic Majority for Israel, a political action group, supported the DNC's decision, stating that the party's position on the issue is clear and that giving a speaking slot to a minority intent on criticizing the president and party would not be beneficial.
The Uncommitted movement leaders have clarified that they are supporting Harris and are now delegates for the Vice President. They have attempted to rebrand themselves as "ceasefire delegates" and continue to push for a more prominent platform at the convention.
In conclusion, the sit-in by Uncommitted delegates at the Democratic National Convention has brought attention to the ongoing debate within the party regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some party members and organizations support giving a platform to Palestinian American voices, others argue that it could detract from the convention's main focus. As the protest continues, it remains to be seen how the Democratic leadership will respond to these demands and balance diverse viewpoints within the party.
