The group of 30 uncommitted delegates attending this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago say their chief request has been denied by party leadership, who have blocked attempts to give a Palestinian American a speaking slot during the event.
The delegates, who were elected in protest of President Joe Biden’s support for Israel in the war in Gaza, traveled to the convention to keep that agenda top of mind among Democrats.
Ahmad Awad, one of New Jersey’s two uncommitted delegates, said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News that he and other delegates were angered by the denial of a speaking slot.
“It was very disturbing to say the least,” said Awad. “It’s disgusting when you have the Democratic Party continue to highlight that they are the party of inclusion, that all are welcome in the party and we are in one big tent.
“In response, myself and many of the other delegates decided we were going to step outside the convention. And there was a sit-in that began yesterday at 8 p.m. and it’s still ongoing to this moment. And the request is simple — a few minutes to be able to discuss the Palestinian cause and Palestinian suffering that’s been going on for the past several months,” he said.
Awad and other uncommitted delegates said they would commit to voting for the Harris-Walz ticket if Palestinian Americans were allowed to address the convention. DNC staff held meetings with leaders of the uncommitted delegates in recent days and hosted a panel discussion Monday about Palestinian issues.
“There’s seventy days remaining until the election. And we want to support the Democratic Party moving into November,” said Awad. “But not until we see Vice President Harris and the Democratic Party adopt positions that are near and dear to us.”
