“Just as Important as Ever to Protest” Activists Target DNC Over Harris’s VP Pick

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago later this month is set to be a focal point of political and social activism, as the Apro-Palestinian organization, Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) Coalition, has announced its intention to protest the event.

The protests come in response to Vice President Kamala Harris’s decision to select Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming presidential election, according to a report by Newsweek on Tuesday, August 6.

Harris became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in June, setting the stage for her to choose a vice-presidential candidate who would bolster her campaign.

On Tuesday morning, she revealed her choice of Tim Walz, a move that has been widely praised by progressives within the party.

Walz’s legislative achievements in Minnesota, such as securing free school meals for children, implementing paid family and medical leave, and expanding the child tax credit, have earned him accolades from the left.

These accomplishments, achieved with a slim Democratic majority in the state, underscore his effectiveness in advancing progressive policies.

Despite the enthusiasm from progressives, the ANSWER Coalition remains resolute in its criticism of Harris’s choice.

The organization, known for its staunch opposition to war and racism, particularly focuses on Walz’s record regarding Israel.

In a statement to Newsweek on Tuesday, ANSWER emphasized that their planned protests at the DNC will proceed unabated, highlighting what they perceive as Walz’s problematic stance on Israel.

“We are not fooled by this attempt to give a ‘progressive’ veneer to a campaign that advocates for the same basic policies as when Biden led the ticket.

Walz, like Harris, might speak more sensitively — but what matters is whether or not they support the massive weapons shipments that make the genocide in Gaza possible,” the statement reads.

ANSWER’s position reflects a broader discontent within certain factions of the Democratic Party and its supporters who are critical of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine.

The organization’s statement continues, “Walz is on record voicing his support for the brutal Israeli regime. It is just as important as ever to protest.”

This critique is rooted in a history of U.S. military aid to Israel, which groups like ANSWER argue has facilitated ongoing violence and human rights abuses in Gaza.

The reference to “massive weapons shipments” underscores the Coalition’s condemnation of the financial and military support that the U.S. provides to Israel, a policy that has been maintained by successive administrations.

The planned protests at the DNC are not just a response to Walz’s vice-presidential candidacy but also a broader condemnation of what ANSWER views as the continuity of U.S. policy towards Israel under the Democratic leadership.

The protests are expected to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians and demand a shift in U.S. foreign policy.

Governor Tim Walz’s track record on domestic issues, while celebrated by many progressives, does not mitigate the concerns of organizations like answer when it comes to international policy.

The decision by Harris to select Walz, despite his progressive achievements in Minnesota, has thus sparked a complex response within the party.

It highlights the ongoing tension between domestic and international policy priorities among Democrats.

As the DNC approaches, the presence of ANSWER and other activist groups will serve as a reminder of the diverse and often conflicting perspectives within the Democratic coalition.

Their protests will likely bring critical issues to the forefront of the national conversation, challenging the party to address not only its domestic agenda but also its stance on global human rights issues.

The selection of Tim Walz as Kamala Harris’s running mate has ignited both praise and criticism, reflecting the intricate dynamics within the Democratic Party.

The ANSWER Coalition’s planned protests at the DNC underscore the persistent divisions over U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, these protests will play a crucial role in shaping the discourse around the Democratic campaign and its broader implications for both domestic and international policy.