Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has voiced her opinion on why she believes the Harris-Walz presidential ticket fell short in the recent election. She pinpointed the campaign's decision to accept endorsements from former Republican Representative Liz Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, as a significant error.
Omar specifically highlighted the impact of this decision in Michigan, a key battleground state, telling the Minnesota Star-Tribune that it alienated the Uncommitted Movement, a group that held considerable influence in the region.
The Uncommitted Movement, according to Omar, withheld its support from both President Biden and subsequently Vice President Harris due to their perceived mishandling of the Gaza conflict. A substantial Arab and Muslim population in Michigan felt that the U.S. was not holding Israel sufficiently accountable for the casualties and devastation in Gaza.
Omar characterized Cheney as a figure "synonymous with war" for her generation and younger ones, suggesting that the endorsement sent a conflicting message, regardless of the campaign's actual intentions.
The Harris-Walz campaign actively promoted Cheney's endorsement, even holding a joint event with her and Harris in Wisconsin. This strategy aimed to attract disaffected Republicans, but Omar argues it backfired in areas with strong anti-war sentiments.
Omar also pointed to the campaign's approach in Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a large Arab American community. While President-elect Trump personally met with the city's Democratic mayor, Harris and Walz only sent staff. Omar believes this lack of personal engagement cost them crucial votes.
Despite her past criticisms of Trump, Omar expressed a willingness to work with his administration, while emphasizing that she would continue to oppose policies she deems harmful to her constituents. She also expressed concern that a Trump presidency would embolden Israel in the Gaza conflict.
The Harris-Walz campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
