Discontent in the U.S. over Gaza complicates Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.

The recent conflict in Gaza has generated deep discontent among certain sectors of the American population, manifesting in massive protests that have even reached the heart of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. This discontent could have direct implications for the campaign of the current Vice President, Kamala Harris, who aspires to the presidential nomination following the surprising resignation of Joe Biden. The political landscape is becoming more complex as the demonstrations continue, drawing a dividing line between loyalty to Israel and concern for civilian lives in Gaza. During the DNC, over 200 organizations called for protests in response to what they consider a lack of action by the Biden administration regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The demonstrations led to the detention of several activists and an increase in security measures at the convention. This scenario raises a crucial question: how will the pressure and discontent emanating from these protests affect Harris's campaign? Delving deeper into the answer to this question, it is important to consider that the current context of U.S. foreign policy has led to an increase in demonstrations, especially among young voters and members of the Democratic Party who are dissatisfied with the government's stance. Since the terrorist attack on October 7, the administration has maintained "unwavering support" for Israel, which has sparked a growing clamor for a change in foreign policy. Although Harris has adopted a more critical stance than her predecessor, she has tried to balance her support for Israel with calls for accountability for civilian deaths in Gaza. Reactions to Harris's positions are diverse. On one hand, some analysts highlight her effort to acknowledge the need for a humanitarian response in the conflict. However, among the Democratic delegates themselves, there is a significant number of voices against unconditional support for Israel, underscoring the fragmentation within the party's base on this issue. This discontent could pose a challenge for Harris, who seeks to consolidate her position ahead of the 2024 elections. Additionally, discontent among young voters is palpable. A recent survey revealed that 45% of voters under 30 reject the stance adopted by the Biden administration regarding the conflict. Despite this, analysts agree that the priority issues motivating voters are largely economic and social, which could mitigate the impact that the crisis in Gaza has on Harris's campaign. The fear that the conflict in the Middle East will divert attention from other pressing issues is reflected in the opinion of political scientist Nevena Trajkov, who emphasizes that most voters are not casting their votes based on what is happening in Gaza. Instead, they are focused on issues such as the economy, immigration, and the protection of democracy. Thus, while the current crisis is a concern, it is unlikely to define the election. During the campaign, Harris has tried to position herself as a moderate voice, advocating for a ceasefire and condemning civilian deaths while ensuring her support for Israel. However, pressure from activist groups could intensify as the election approaches, especially if the administration does not show a significant change in its policy toward the conflict. The dynamics in key states like Michigan, which has a large Arab-American population, also add a layer of complexity. Although many of these voters are traditionally Democrats, dissatisfaction with Biden and Harris's response to the crisis in Gaza could lead some to seek alternatives, even within the Republican Party. This scenario presents a dilemma for Harris, who needs to consolidate support among diverse groups while navigating the turbulent waters of foreign policy. Ultimately, the future of Kamala Harris's campaign will largely depend on her ability to balance the various concerns of voters and respond to the demands of those calling for a change in foreign policy. The current protests and discontent are just part of the puzzle, but they represent a symptom of a Democratic base seeking consistency between principles and actions. In the end, Harris's challenge will be to find this balance while preparing for the electoral battle of 2024.