...
By Andrew Stanton
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A pro-Palestinian organization planning to protest the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago later this month criticized Vice President Kamala Harris picking Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
Harris, who became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in June, made the announcement about Walz Tuesday morning. Her selection has been viewed as a victory for progressives, who have praised his success in passing legislation such as free school meals for children, paid family and medical leave, and an expansion of the child tax credit with only a slim Democratic majority in Minnesota.
The organization Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, also known as ANSWER, Coalition told Newsweek on Tuesday that planned protests of the DNC will continue despite the pick, criticizing Walz's record on Israel.
Read More on News
"We are not fooled by this attempt to give a 'progressive' veneer to a campaign that advocates for the same basic policies as when Biden led the ticket. Walz, like Harris, might speak more sensitively -- but what matters is whether or not they support the massive weapons shipments that make the genocide in Gaza possible," the statement reads.
...
It continues, "Walz is on record voicing his support for the brutal Israeli regime. It is just as important as ever to protest."
Newsweek reached out to the Harris campaign for comment via email.
Biden faced criticism from progressives over his handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict became a key campaign issue after Hamas launched an attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 others hostage. Israel subsequently launched an offensive in Gaza in response that has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians in the months since, The Associated Press reports, citing the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Many pro-Palestinian Democrats expressed concerns about Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, viewed as a frontrunner to become Harris' vice presidential pick, over his record on Israel. He has said he supports a two-state solution but has faced scrutiny for seemingly comparing anti-Israel protesters on college campuses to the Ku Klux Klan
In an April interview with CNN, Shapiro said that just as people would not tolerate "people dressed up in KKK outfits or KKK regalia," antisemitism shouldn't be tolerated on campuses either. In that same interview, Shapiro also condemned acts of Islamophobia.
Comments Shapiro made about Palestinians in an opinion piece as a college student in 1993 also raised eyebrows, though a spokesperson for Shapiro told Newsweek on Friday his opinions have changed since then.
Shapiro's supporters have argued there is little difference in how Shapiro, who is Jewish, and other Democrats would approach Israel, and that those concerns are based on antisemitism.
Biden's support for Israel alienated key voting blocs including Muslim voters and young voters, who have raised concerns about the death toll in Gaza and called for a ceasefire in the conflict.
Harris has voiced support for Israel's right to defend itself but has also been vocal about concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In March, she called for an "immediate" pause in fighting and criticized Israel for not doing enough to prevent a "humanitarian catastrophe."
"People in Gaza are starving," Harris said during remarks at an event commemorating the 59th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" in Alabama. "The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act."
What Has Tim Walz Said About Israel-Hamas Conflict?
Walz condemned the "horrific attacks" on Israel on October 7.
"On a holiday that should be spent peacefully with loved ones, my heart breaks for this terrible act of violence," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
On October 12, he wrote that his administration would "continue standing with Minnesota's Jewish and Israeli community and working with the State Department to ensure the safety of Minnesotans at home and abroad."
On October 20, he wrote, "@POTUS gave a powerful speech last night after returning from Israel and reaching a deal to provide needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. The vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas, and Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. We cannot let terrorists like Hamas win."
He also addressed pro-Palestinian voters voting "uncommitted" in the Democratic presidential primary after the movement garnered nearly 20 percent of the vote in his home state.
"These are voters that are deeply concerned, as we all are. The situation in Gaza is intolerable, and I think trying to find a solution, a lasting two-state solution. Certainly the president's moved toward humanitarian aid, and asking us to get to a ceasefire. That's what they're asking to be heard, and that's what they should be doing," he said.
He called on Biden to start "bringing these folks back in" and "listen to what they're saying."
"That's a healthy thing that's happening here," he said.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines