The Democratic Socialists of America on Sunday encouraged its members to vote "Uncommitted" in the election cycle's remaining Democratic primaries, unless President Joe Biden backs "a permanent, lasting ceasefire" in Israel.
"Until this administration ends its support for Israel's genocide in Gaza and delivers a permanent, lasting ceasefire, Joe Biden will bear the responsibility for another Trump presidency," the DSA wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The group, which says it has more than 92,000 members, has organized numerous anti-Israel protests since Hamas's Oct. 7 attack on the Jewish state.
Lawmakers from both parties have condemned the DSA for its role in organizing these protests, where attendees have cheered for Hamas and waved Nazi imagery. In January, the Washington Free Beacon reported that the DSA faced a $2 million budget shortfall and was considering layoffs as members split over the group's anti-Israel stance.
Progressives have hammered the White House for its handling of the war in Gaza, and some Democrats fear the Left's unhappiness could spell electoral disaster for Biden come November. The congressional "Squad," which includes DSA members Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), has repeatedly called on Biden to back a ceasefire.
Tlaib helped lead a protest vote in Michigan's February primary, in which over 100,000 Michigan Democrats voted "Uncommitted." The "Listen to Michigan" campaign targeted the state's large number of Arab-American and Muslim voters, whom Biden will need to secure reelection. The DSA referenced the Michigan results in its statement, saying, "Biden is on track to lose the election to Trump unless he chooses to listen to the working class of this country and change course."
"Defeat is certain if he fails to do so," the DSA added.
Biden consistently trails former president Donald Trump in nationwide polling, as well as in critical swing states like Michigan. Biden won Michigan in 2020 by roughly 150,000 votes.
White House officials have engaged in a full-court press to win back some skeptical Muslim voters. At least seven senior Biden administration officials met with Arab-American activist Osama Siblani in Dearborn, Mich., last month.
That meeting received criticism from Jewish groups, who cited Siblani's past remarks in support of Hamas and Houthi rebels, an anti-Semitic separatist group in Yemen.