Axios Explains: Arab Americans' Michigan primary protest rooted in feelings of invisibility

Arab Americans threatening to withhold support for President Biden in Michigan's primary Tuesday are upset with his handling of the war in Gaza — but for many, their frustration is rooted in years of feeling ignored or dismissed in the U.S.

Why it matters: It goes beyond U.S. policies that favor Israel. The war has become a symbol for what many see as disrespect for Arab Americans' longtime contributions to American life.

Biden's early support for Israel's assault on Palestinians in Gaza was simply a tipping point for many Arab Americans who helped him achieve a critical win the state in 2020, community leaders tell Axios.

State of play: In the Detroit area, home to the nation's largest Arabic-speaking population, the Listen to Michigan campaign has been urging voters to choose "uncommitted" on the Democratic presidential primary ballot.

Some Arab Americans there tell Axios that Biden's stance on the war has led them to avoid voting for him again — and they want to send a message.

Most say won't vote for Trump in November but might stay home, which could hurt Biden anyway.

"He has lost people, and he's losing people because of his foreign policy," said Abbas Alawieh, a former chief of staff for Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and a spokesperson for the Listen to Michigan campaign.