MIND THE MITTEN Joe Biden is back in Michigan today for the first time since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on Oct. 7, visiting a state whose sizable Muslim/Arab American community has been dismayed at his handling of the deadly situation in Gaza. Democratic lawmakers from the state say it’s going to take more than one visit to repair the political damage that has been done in a key swing state. “My suggestion has been that he sit down with Arab American leaders in Michigan and hear what they have to say,” Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said. “I'm sympathetic to their concerns. I support a cease-fire myself. But I do believe that as the president makes these determinations about U.S. policy regarding Israel and its prosecution of this war, the voices of Arab Americans have to be considered and I hope that they find time, make time to hear from them.” Biden did not meet today with members of that community, whose leaders have openly disagreed with the administration’s stance on the war. He instead visited a sports bar in the Detroit suburbs and later visited a United Auto Workers facility. But just hours before his arrival, in what was widely interpreted as a gesture toward his critics, Biden issued an executive order levying sanctions on Israeli settlers who have been found responsible for violence against Palestinians Biden’s Michigan problem:A January poll conducted by the Michigan-based Glengariff Group found former President Donald Trump beating Biden 47% to 39% among likely voters in the state. The state is close to a must-win for Biden as he seeks a second term. Before Biden visited Thursday, several Arab-American and Muslim leaders refused to meet with Biden campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodríguez when she visited the state last week, Adam and Nicholas noted. Biden was also greeted today, like most of his recent public appearances, by protestors advocating for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Another Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Hillary Scholten, said Biden faces “an impossible situation” right now given the polarized views on the conflict — Michigan is also home to a significant Jewish community — that might not be bridgeable absent a cease-fire. The polling shows “two different sides wanting two very different things right now,” she told Inside Congress. “Ultimately, the goal is to bring peace as quickly as possible.” Union power: As his itinerary demonstrates, Biden is counting on his intervention on workers’ behalf in last year’s auto strike — and his subsequent UAW endorsement — to bolster his support in the state. But Kildee said there are bigger issues he needs to address. “He has been the most significant pro labor president in my lifetime, certainly maybe in history,” he said. “That's noteworthy, but it doesn't erase some of the other challenges that he has.” Another Michigan Democrat said Biden has the retail politics skills to overcome those hurdles. “I'm excited to see him connect with voters and union members and do what Joe Biden does best, which is show his humanity, his compassion and his dedication and love,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. — Daniella Diaz and Nicholas Wu
| 
