As the 2024 US presidential election rapidly approaches, voters find themselves grappling with complex decisions that extend beyond party lines and singular issues. For many progressives, the Israel-Gaza war of 2023 has emerged as a pivotal factor in their choice between incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and her Republican challenger, Donald Trump. In a poignant op-ed, Senator Bernie Sanders addresses this quandary head-on, offering insights into why he believes supporting Harris, despite disagreements on the conflict, remains crucial for the nation’s future.
Acknowledging the Devastation in Gaza
Sanders, a long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, begins by expressing his deep concern over the scale and severity of the 2023 Israel-Gaza war. He emphasizes that while Israel had the right to defend itself against the initial Hamas terrorist attack, the subsequent all-out assault on Gaza crossed moral and ethical boundaries.
“It did not have the right to kill 42,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of whom were children, women and the elderly, or injure over 100,000 people in Gaza. It did not have the right to destroy Gaza’s infrastructure and housing and healthcare systems.”
– Senator Bernie Sanders
The senator’s words paint a stark picture of the war’s toll on Palestinian civilians, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a reevaluation of US policy toward Israel.
Contrasting Harris and Trump on Gaza
While acknowledging that both he and many Americans disagree with Vice President Harris’s handling of the Gaza crisis, Sanders argues that the alternative—a second term for Donald Trump—would be far more detrimental. He points to Republicans’ efforts to block humanitarian aid to Gaza and Trump’s praise for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions during the war.
“Trump has said that Netanyahu is doing a good job and that Biden is holding him back. He has suggested that the Gaza Strip would make excellent beachfront property for development.”
– Senator Bernie Sanders
By highlighting these stark contrasts, Sanders aims to convince progressive voters that, even on this critical issue, a Harris presidency would provide more opportunities for positive change than a return to Trump’s policies.
A Promise to Push for Change
Central to Sanders’ argument is his pledge to work tirelessly to shift US policy toward Israel and Palestine under a Harris administration. He outlines a list of priorities, including:
- Immediate ceasefire
- Return of all hostages
- Surge of humanitarian aid
- Stopping settler attacks in the West Bank
- Rebuilding Gaza for the Palestinian people
By presenting a clear agenda, Sanders seeks to assure voters that supporting Harris now does not mean abandoning the fight for justice in Palestine. Instead, he suggests that her presidency would provide a more fertile ground for activism and change compared to the alternative.
The Broader Stakes of the 2024 Election
In the final portion of his op-ed, Sanders widens his lens, reminding readers of the myriad issues at stake in the 2024 election beyond the Israel-Gaza conflict. From women’s reproductive rights and the urgent need to address the climate crisis to the fight against income inequality and the specter of unchecked bigotry, the senator paints a picture of a nation at a crossroads.
“If Trump wins, to be honest with you, the struggle against the climate crisis is over. While virtually every scientist who has studied the issue understands that the climate crisis is real and an existential threat to our country and the world, Trump believes it is a ‘hoax’.”
– Senator Bernie Sanders
Ultimately, Sanders frames the choice between Harris and Trump as one that will determine the trajectory of the United States for generations to come. While acknowledging the pain and frustration many feel over the Israel-Gaza issue, he urges voters to consider the broader implications of their decision in November.
A Call to Action
As he concludes his powerful op-ed, Senator Sanders issues a clarion call to progressive voters, urging them to resist the temptation to sit out the election due to disagreements over a single issue. Instead, he implores them to recognize the urgency of the moment and to do everything in their power to ensure a Harris victory.
“We cannot sit this election out. Trump has to be defeated. Let’s do everything we can in the next week to make sure that Kamala Harris is our next president.”
– Senator Bernie Sanders
Sanders’ words serve as a powerful reminder that, in a democracy, progress often requires difficult compromises and a willingness to keep pushing forward even in the face of setbacks and disagreements. By casting their votes for Harris, he suggests, progressives can secure a foothold from which to continue the fight for a more just and equitable world.
As the 2024 election looms, Senator Bernie Sanders’ op-ed offers a thought-provoking perspective on the complex calculus facing progressive voters. While the wounds of the Israel-Gaza war remain fresh, he argues that the stakes of this election extend far beyond any single conflict or policy disagreement. In the end, his message is one of unity and resolve in the face of a shared threat—a call to action that will undoubtedly resonate with many as they head to the polls in November.
