Arab American group refuses to endorse Trump or Harris, citing Israel support

By Reuters 15 October 2024, 5:00 am

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Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump reads a note that Justin Caporale brought onto the stage at a campaign town hall at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Fairgrounds, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, in Oaks, Pa. (AP/Alex Brandon)

The Arab American Political Action Committee says it will not endorse Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris or Republican former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election, citing what it calls their “blind support” for Israel.

The November 5 election will mark the first time AAPAC has chosen not to endorse a candidate since the group’s 1998 inception. It usually endorses Democrats.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at Erie Insurance Arena, in Erie, Pa., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP/Jacquelyn Martin)

“Both candidates have endorsed genocide in Gaza and war in Lebanon,” AAPAC says in a statement. “We simply cannot give our votes to either Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump, who blindly support the criminal Israeli government.”