Protests in Chicago challenge Biden and Harris at the Democratic Convention.

In the context of the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago, significant protests have erupted in response to the U.S. government's stance on the conflict in Gaza. While prominent party figures like President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris take the stage, thousands of protesters have voiced their dissatisfaction with the current administration, raising questions about the potential impact these events may have on Harris's presidential campaign. The protests, organized by over 200 national groups, have intensified since the onset of the war in Gaza, aiming to demand a change in the government's foreign policy. This discontent has also manifested in acts of civil disobedience, culminating in the arrest of several activists last Monday. Local police have responded by reinforcing security measures in the area, fearing that the demonstrations may become more disruptive. Since the October 7 attack, the Biden administration has maintained strong support for Israel, sending military aid despite international criticism of its response to the conflict. This approach has generated growing outrage among certain sectors of the American population, particularly in the context of the primary elections, where many Democrats have expressed their disapproval of the party's stance through "uncommitted" votes. Kamala Harris, for her part, has adopted a more nuanced position than Biden, advocating for a ceasefire and condemning the loss of civilian lives in Gaza, while still not renouncing support for Israel. This balance has been viewed by some analysts as an attempt to appease both critics within the party and more moderate voters who still support the Jewish state. However, the tension surrounding the conflict could complicate her path to the presidency. In a political environment where most voters are concerned about issues like the economy and immigration, the conflict in Gaza may not be a decisive topic in the elections. According to Nevena Trajkov, a political scientist at Jacksonville University, discontent regarding foreign policy has a limited impact on the electoral preferences of most Americans. Although the crisis in Gaza is acknowledged, it does not seem to be a determining factor for the electorate at this moment. Despite younger voters showing an increasing interest in participating in the electoral process, their influence may be less than expected. A recent study indicates that a significant percentage of voters under 30 reject the government's stance on Gaza, but, as noted by María Puerta Riera, this does not necessarily translate into a shift in their votes toward the Republicans, as many of these young people still face more immediate challenges affecting their electoral decisions. Michigan, a key state in the electoral contest, presents a complex landscape, as a portion of its Arab-American population has previously aligned with the Republican Party. This could pose a challenge for Harris, who needs to appeal to this electorate, but may be drawn to a candidate promising to protect their interests in a context of increasing polarization. Harris's response to the conflict in Gaza and her handling of discontent within the party could be crucial for her campaign. While she has tried to be clearer in her condemnation of civilian deaths, her firm support for Israel could alienate those Democrats seeking a radical change in foreign policy. As protests continue and pressure on the Biden administration mounts, Harris will likely have to navigate carefully between voter expectations and the need to maintain unity within the party. Public opinion on the war in Gaza is varied and complex, and although protests have raised a critical voice, they may not drastically affect electoral campaigns. Voter attention may be more focused on economic and social issues than on a distant conflict. However, accumulated discontent could manifest at the polls, especially if social and economic concerns are not effectively addressed in the future. In conclusion, while protests against the war in Gaza represent a challenge for Harris and the Democratic administration, the impact on the presidential campaign could be moderate. Voters seem to be more focused on other issues, which could allow the Vice President to maintain her path toward the presidential nomination, as long as she manages to balance the demands of her base with the need to uphold a coherent stance in the international arena. The key will be her ability to connect with voters at a time when political divisions are more evident than ever.