LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vace will take the stage tonight, giving voters another chance to learn about both campaigns with just over a month left until Election Day. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes said it’s expected the two will answer questions about abortion rights, economic policy, gun control, and immigration.
“I expect to see the governor talk a little bit about his personal story but also talk about what it is that he and the vice president plan to do as president and vice president to make this country stronger and better for everyone,” Barnes said. “I imagine he’s a little bit nervous. I don’t blame him for that because that’s this is a big deal and it’s his first time doing something like this, but I know that he’s going to get quite comfortable and he will be answering questions with honesty and sincerity, just like he does everything else that he does. All of that will come through folks, televisions, and into their homes tonight.”
Southeast Michigan is home to some of the largest Arab, Muslim, and Lebanese populations in the country. Nura Sediqe, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, said the escalating conflict in the Middle East has made foreign policy a top issue.
“Four years ago, if you were to ask Muslims in Michigan what their policy priorities are, they would say health care, the economy, just like any other Michigan voter,” Sediqe said. “There are Arab voters who are Christian Arabs, and Muslim Arabs, and Muslim voters who are black Muslims, Arab Muslims, South Asian Muslims. Michigan is unique and special for that reason, but it also means that the emotions are much more complex right now.”
With Iran launching a missile attack on Israel just days after violence spread to Lebanon, the increasing casualties have Muslim voters continuing to push for the candidates to form concrete foreign policy stances, threatening to vote uncommitted if the issue isn’t addressed.
Sediqe said it will be important just to hear the candidates acknowledge the emotions and concerns of Muslim voters. Barnes said that if asked she believes Walz will address it.
“He’ll talk about the importance of Israel protecting itself and having the right to defend itself, but it’s important how they do that. Then I expect him to also talk about how the atrocities need to stop. The murder needs to stop. Children need to stop dying, and we need to end these wars now.” Barnes said. “Then humanitarian aid needs to be able to get through to folks in Gaza without stoppage, without trouble. People are hungry, people are hurting, and we need to help them. I think that the Governor will say all of those things if asked those questions at this debate.”
Sediqe explained that Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan have more political knowledge around these issues than the average voter because they have so much personal stake in having family members in the Middle East. Because of that, they are much more likely to be more informed about federal spending and the nuances of the conflict than the average voter and will require a more policy-specific answer. She said many Muslim voters will be hoping to hear Walz call for a cease-fire, but still want to see the Democratic ticket discuss reevaluating foreign military spending before their vote is secured.
