More bad news for Biden.
In the recent Wisconsin Democratic primary, a significant portion of voters opted for an “uninstructed” delegation, registering their dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Roughly 48,000 voters, constituting about 8% of the total turnout, chose this protest option, a stark increase compared to the 2020 numbers. Notably, this figure surpassed the margin by which Biden had won over former President Donald Trump in the general election, as reported by The Hill.
Conversely, only a mere 2% of Republican primary voters in Wisconsin selected the “uninstructed” choice. The activist group Listen to Wisconsin, which played a pivotal role in mobilizing this movement, expressed gratitude for the turnout despite facing logistical challenges in organizing the primary within a short timeframe. Their efforts were acknowledged in a social media post, thanking Wisconsin voters for making their voices heard.
While protest votes in other states have resulted in the allocation of delegates, Wisconsin’s “uninstructed” option did not secure any delegates due to falling short of the required 15% threshold. However, the turnout far exceeded the initial target set by organizers, with 48,000 votes surpassing the anticipated 20,000 mark.
Critics of President Biden’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict have urged him to advocate for a comprehensive cease-fire in Gaza, a call the administration has thus far resisted. Progressive commentator Nina Turner weighed in on social media, urging Biden to prioritize humanitarian concerns over political alliances.
The Biden administration has been pressuring the Israeli government to minimize civilian casualties and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Despite these efforts, the United Nations has issued warnings about the onset of famine in the region, underscoring the urgency of the situation. However, logistical challenges remain, with aid distribution plans still unclear even after the completion of a planned pier in Gaza intended to facilitate deliveries.
Overall, the significant turnout for the “uninstructed” delegation in the Wisconsin primary reflects growing discontentment with President Biden’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict and underscores the public’s desire for a more assertive stance on humanitarian issues in the region.