With the US presidential primaries effectively concluded, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have secured their respective nominations for the Democratic and Republican parties. However, the results from Wisconsin’s primary on Tuesday may hold a significant message for Biden, as progressive and pro-Palestinian Democrats may withhold their support.
Biden, responding to growing concerns from the Muslim American community over the situation in Gaza, shifted his plans on Tuesday. Originally scheduled to attend a scaled-back iftar dinner commemorating Ramadan at the White House, he instead held a meeting with Muslim community leaders due to pushback from potential attendees. Meanwhile, Trump continues to rally in Michigan and Wisconsin, focusing on immigration and crime issues.
Wisconsin’s ‘Uninstructed Delegation’ Vote
Despite the primaries technically continuing into June, some progressive voters are using the process to voice their disapproval of Biden’s support for Israel amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This has led to increased scrutiny of those who chose not to vote for Biden in the Democratic primary in Wisconsin, instead supporting an “uninstructed delegation”. This option, akin to the “uncommitted” choice on many other states’ primary ballots, allows delegates to choose their preferred candidate, signaling voter dissatisfaction.
Delegate Count and Potential Impact
As of Tuesday’s contests, Biden has amassed 2,606 delegates, with 26 delegates spread across five states for “uncommitted” and three for Jason Palmer, the businessman who scored a surprise victory in the Democratic caucuses for American Samoa. On the Republican side, Trump has 1,686 delegates, with 103 spread across three candidates, including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who have since dropped out of the race.
Wisconsin, a key battleground state often decided by slim margins, could see significant impact from any voter discontent. The state’s voting history shows a pattern of swinging elections, with Trump winning the presidency in 2016 by securing states like Wisconsin, only to lose the White House when Biden reclaimed the state for Democrats in 2020.
Shift on Israel?
Following the Michigan protest, there have been indications of evolving stances on Israel from Biden and other top Democrats. The US recently allowed a Gaza ceasefire resolution to pass through the United Nations Security Council. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top elected Jewish official in the country, called for a new election in Israel and sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, the Biden administration is also on the brink of approving a deal to sell up to 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel. As the Wisconsin primary results roll in, Biden’s decision to shift the iftar dinner to a meeting with Muslim community leaders indicates the pressure he is facing from the Muslim community.
Both Biden and Trump face complexities in navigating their support for Israel. A recent New York Times report revealed that Trump alarmed right-wing Israeli journalists when he suggested that Israel should “finish up” in Gaza, a statement that deviates from the staunch support for Israel expected from US conservatives.