I Feel Better About The Democratic Party Regarding Israel - For Now

Prior to the DNC, I wondered if the gathering of pro-Hamas supporters would halt the momentum of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz:

Will the momentum halt at the DNC slated to begin tomorrow in Chicago?

I'm not talking so much about the protests outside of the convention hall although they could loom large. Rather my concern is the small contingent of "uncommitted" (read: pro-Hamas) delegates on the convention floor who believe the Biden-Harris Administration has been too pro-Israel. Calling themselves "Delegates Against Genocide", they intend to exercise their "freedom of speech" during the course of the convention.

How is it going to look if these delegates see fit to heckle former Presidents Clinton and Obama, former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, President Biden, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, VP running mate Walz and Harris during their speeches? And what of Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff who is Jewish?

Fortunately, this did not come to pass. 

There were three key events during the DNC which have given me some reassurance about the Democratic Party where it concerns Israel - for now.

First, there was the rapturous reception delegates gave to Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, the parents of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of 8 American hostages (and 109 hostages overall) being held in captivity by Hamas. The delegates chanted in unison, "Bring them home!!!" moving Goldberg to tears. 

Prior to that there had been little mention of the hostages and there was nothing indicating the DNC would be giving a speaking slot to a hostage family as the RNC did last month with Ronen and Oma Neutra, the parents of Omer Neutra. The Neutras were well received by Republican delegates who chanted, "Bring the home!!!" It was good to see the Democrats do the same. 

Second, the DNC wisely denied giving a Palestinian a speaking slot. There had been an effort by uncommitted delegates to persuade the DNC to give a speaking slot to Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian American who sits in the Georgia legislature. However, Romman's prepared remarks falsely accused Israel of committing massacres and holding Palestinians hostages and made no condemnation of Hamas. Had Romman delivered those remarks, it would have entirely undermined the efforts of the DNC to recognize the pain of American families whose loved ones are being held in captivity by Hamas. 

Third, then there was Kamala Harris' unambiguous remarks in defense of Israel:

Let me be clear: I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself. Because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that the terrorist organization Hamas caused on October 7th. Including unspeakable sexual violence and the massacre of young people at a music festival. 

Of course, this has not gone down well with the uncommitted movement which staged a sit-in at the United Center after the DNC refused to give a slot to Romman while the group Muslim Women for Harris-Walz has disbanded. Uncommitted co-founder Layla Elabed (the sister of anti-Semitic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib) claims Harris' position is alienating the majority of Democrats.  

Given the enthusiasm of Democrats for the Harris-Walz ticket, I think Elabed's claims are nonsense. However, the anger of Uncommitted is real and could have consequences especially in a swing state like Michigan. If Democrats get polling which indicate that they could lose Michigan (or any other swing state) because of Harris' pro-Israel stance then I would not be surprised if Harris could equivocate.

It would be a mistake for Harris to equivocate because short of accusing Israel of genocide there is nothing Harris could say which would the Uncommitted Movement to support her. Democrats would be wise to cut their losses with uncommitted Democrats who have greater affection for Hamas than Harris.