Veteran Arab American Activist Almaklani Backs Kamala Harris

Dearborn: As the race for the White House intensifies, Yemeni-American leader Ali Baleed Almaklani has openly endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Almaklani, a prominent figure in the Arab-American community, is standing by Harris despite mixed views from other advocates.

Almaklani, speaking at a Dearborn polling site, explained why he continues to back the Democratic Party. “We must remain in the Democratic Party to try to fix it. If we’re outside, they won’t listen to us,” he stated. For Almaklani, Harris’s policies on Middle Eastern issues—particularly her support for a ceasefire and a Palestinian state—set her apart from her opponent, Donald Trump.

In addition to her stance on foreign policy, Almaklani believes Harris will champion domestic issues that benefit the middle class. He mentioned her views on women’s rights, taxes, education, and healthcare as key reasons for his endorsement. “But our friend [Trump] wants to take from the poor and give to the rich,” he said, citing the disparities he sees in the Republican platform.

Trump and Harris Face Off in Tight Presidential Race

Democrats Face Challenges in Early Voting

The Democrats face a critical challenge as early voting statistics reveal higher Republican turnout, particularly in swing states like Nevada. This shift is unusual, as early voting historically favored Democrats in past elections.

Political analysts are weighing two possible scenarios. Some Democrats believe that high early voting turnout among Republicans could mean fewer Republican voters on Election Day, potentially offsetting the early voting advantage. Others worry that a renewed Republican enthusiasm could mean increased overall turnout, posing a significant threat to Democratic chances.

Record-Breaking Early Voting Numbers

Nationwide, early voting turnout has surged, with almost 85 million Americans casting ballots ahead of Election Day, according to data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab. The tracker indicates that 46 million people voted in person, while over 38 million ballots were sent by mail.

With polls indicating a tight race and record numbers of early voters, both parties are mobilizing their bases for what is expected to be a historic and hard-fought election. For Harris, the backing of influential figures like Almaklani is critical in rallying the Arab-American community, while Republicans push to maintain their momentum in early voting.

Reference Al Jazeera

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