Internet takes a swipe at Biden’s Michigan primary victory despite sizeable ‘uncommitted’ votes

LANSING, MICHIGAN: President Joe Biden emerged victorious in a closely-watched Michigan Democratic primary on Tuesday night, February 27. However, his triumph was overshadowed by a protest movement urging voters to fill in "uncommitted" - notably impacting Biden's total vote percentage.

Despite securing 80.7% of the total vote, Biden faced unexpected resistance from an anti-Israel protest movement, which garnered 13.5% of the vote, significantly denting his margin. Meanwhile, Rep Dean Phillips (D-MN) garnered 2.8% of the vote, while self-help author Marianne Williamson received 3%.

Protest against Biden's Israel policy

The movement, spearheaded by the group Listen to Michigan, aimed to pressurize Biden into reconsidering his stance on Israel due to concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Listen to Michigan targeted Biden's administration for its support of Israel, alleging that it contributed to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accused Biden of endorsing genocide. The group highlighted the importance of Michigan's Arab-American community and its potential influence on the general election.

“Michigan voters are sending Biden a clear message in the February 27 Democratic primary that he can count us out. We are filling out the UNCOMMITTED bubble because we strongly reject Biden’s funding war and genocide in Gaza,” they stated on their website.

The group celebrated the results of the election on social media on Tuesday night.

“Our movement emerged victorious tonight and massively surpassed our expectations,” they posted on X.

“Tens of thousands of Michigan Democrats, many of whom voted for Biden in 2020, are uncommitted to his re-election due to the war in Gaza.”

The protest movement's impact was evident in the substantial number of "uncommitted" ballots counted, exceeding 52,000 before midnight. This surge in protest votes underscored the depth of dissatisfaction among Michigan Democrats regarding Biden's Israel policy.

Biden's victory statement

In his victory statement, Biden focused on highlighting his administration's achievements in Michigan while condemning his likely opponent, former President Donald Trump. However, he did not address the impact of the protest vote on his margin of victory.

“I want to thank every Michigander who made their voice heard today,” the President said. “Exercising the right to vote and participating in our democracy is what makes America great.”

Biden continued, "I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with UAW workers last year as they led the fight for the wages and benefits they deserve. We took on Big Pharma and are lowering the cost of prescription drugs for nearly 2 million Michigan seniors."

"We’re investing in our world-class auto industry and are finally making big corporations pay their fair share after Trump rigged the economy for special interests and gave handouts to his wealthy friends. And we’re fixing our crumbling bridges and roads while creating thousands of good-paying, union jobs right here in Michigan after Trump shipped them overseas."

“For all of this progress, there is so much left to do. Donald Trump is threatening to drag us even further into the past,” Biden added.

That said, Democratic pollster John Zogby cautioned that the protest movement could have negative repercussions for Biden in the general election.

“The worst case scenario is that if Biden does not listen to this group, no matter what size it is, those votes are lost,” Zogby said. “If it is 15 or 16%, it is a very highly intense 15 of 16%. That means that people are very angry, that they are part of a movement … that is very angry and wants to send a message to Joe Biden.”

Moreover, prominent figures like Representative Rashida Tlaib, a member of the 'Squad' and a Palestinian American from Michigan, encouraged voters to support the protest movement by filling in "uncommitted."

Tlaib's involvement further amplified the message of dissent within Michigan's Democratic electorate, the New York Post reported.

Internet reacts to Biden's victory

Social media erupted with reactions following Biden's victory.

"Wow!! Who could have seen this coming!!" one posted on X.

"Against who?" another wrote.

"That’s truly amazing! That’s amazing news. Oh, wait, was anyone else on the ballot?" someone else added.

"Uncommitted came in a strong second. Underdog," another commented.

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