The horrifying assault carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, proved to be a grim reminder of the continuous threats that Israel faces. The casualties of this dreadful incident were high, resulting in deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of more than 200 citizens. Now, with the United States, Israel’s principal ally, finding itself ensnared in the resulting political tumult, both nations grapple with the repercussions of this brutal turn of events as their respective election seasons loom.
In America’s political arena, the ripple effect of October 7th started making waves almost immediately. For President Joe Biden, the storm began brewing the very moment he endorsed an aggressive response from Israel against Hamas and later, Hezbollah. Such decisive bias towards an unwarranted show of force rubbed many in his own Democratic party’s left-wing faction the wrong way, leading to an outpouring of frustration.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris fared no better. Her rhetoric, filled with a convenient show of empathy for the plight of the innocent Palestinian civilians caught in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, further exacerbated the situation. This shallow attempt to balance her image was fooling no one and only ended up annoying her Republican critics.
Moreover, she suggested a change in Israel’s tactics, effectively criticizing the only democratic beacon in the Middle East. This move seemed destined to stoke tension within the domestic political landscape, and would likely complicate foreign policy debates for the next elected administration.
The shockwaves of international-routed issues infiltrating into local politics are hitting two distinctive but influential voter groups in some swing states. On one end of the spectrum, the pro-Palestinian Arab voters demand relentless pressure on Israel to reconsider its aggressive approach towards Hamas. Furthermore, these pressures have the potential to change the political landscape, influencing election outcomes.
On the contrary, Jewish voters, not necessarily united in supporting Israel’s campaign, have found themselves in a difficult predicament. They are torn between the desire to see an end to the violence and the wish to sustain international backing for their homeland, a unique fort of democratic values in the Middle East.
This intricate state of affairs portrays Senator Kamala Harris in a particularly dubious light. Specifically, she desperately needs to secure the Rust Belt states, Michigan in particular, to stop any possible resurgence of former President Donald Trump in securing key Electoral College votes.
These muddled efforts, however, do not mean that she can afford to abandon the all-important swing states in the western Sun Belt. All while trying to keep the heat on Trump in Arizona, a traditionally GOP-preferred state.
Her recent attempts to cultivate support amongst undecided voters — those who aren’t particularly enthusiastic about rallying behind her — seem to be centered on her effort at coalition-building. But is this truly sincere or simply another vague political attempt?
To summarise, the atrocious Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, has left devastating and lasting effects on Israel, and has simultaneously sent shockwaves on the political terrain of the United States. It has left President Joe Biden facing rising internal dissent for his unequivocal support of force against Hamas, while Vice President Kamala Harris continues to navigate her own political tightrope walk.
Both Biden and Harris, in their respective capacities, have found themselves in an intricate predicament. They are pressured by their own party, international circumstances, the looming elections, and their political self-interests.
Harris, is particularly in a conundrum. Fixing her gaze on the Rust Belt states to resist a resurgence of Trump, and yet, unable to look away from the Sun Belt for fear of losing ground, she is drawn and quartered by the demanding situation.
While at it, she also endeavors to win over the loosely supportive voters, banking on her coalition-building abilities. All this, while constantly facing the ire of Republicans and slipping on a rather unconvincing show of empathy towards the Palestinians.
As the situation unravels, it becomes increasingly clear that the horrific event of October 7, 2023, has not only resulted in the shattering of peace but has also significantly stirred up the political waters both domestically and abroad. The coming weeks and months will indeed be a testing time for Israeli resilience, American leadership, and ultimately, democracy itself.