Harris Appeals to Different Voters with Pro-Palestinian Ads in Michigan, Pro-Israel in Pennsylvania

Vice President Kamala Harris is running two distinctly different ad campaigns on the Israel-Gaza conflict, tailored to specific audiences in battleground states. In Pennsylvania, voters see Harris pledging unwavering support for Israel, while in Michigan, she expresses sympathy for Gaza’s plight.

The Pennsylvania ads target Jewish voters, highlighting Harris’ commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself. A clip from her Democratic National Committee speech features her unequivocal stance: “I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself.” She references the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, including the massacre at a music festival, and vows to defend U.S. interests against Iran-backed terrorism.

In contrast, the ads aimed at Michigan’s Arab voters focus on the suffering in Gaza. These ads feature Harris calling the situation in Gaza "devastating" and appealing to "our common humanity" to act.

This dual messaging underscores a significant challenge for Harris and the Democratic Party. They face pressure from the pro-Palestinian wing, often vocal on college campuses, and from Jewish voters, particularly in states like Pennsylvania. The balancing act is risky, as seen in recent backlash at Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Columbia, where donations have sharply declined amid anti-Israel protests.

Harvard’s endowment dropped by $151 million in fiscal year 2024, a 14% decrease, following these protests.

Columbia University saw nearly a 30% drop in donations during its annual "Giving Day," reflecting growing discontent among donors.

These fundraising drops highlight the broader consequences of the Democrats' struggle to navigate this deeply polarizing issue, which could have significant electoral implications as Harris attempts to appeal to both sides.

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