Lesser of Two Evils

For many Arab-Americans, the choice between Bush and Gore was easy: Gore was associated with Clinton's hyperactive Israeli policy, Bush promised less involvement; Gore talked about civil rights, Bush talked about civil rights for Arab-Americans specifically; Gore had a Jewish running mate, Bush had a running mate with ties to the Arab oil industry; Gore inherited Clinton's legacy of bombing Iraq and Afghanistan, Bush inherited his father's goodwill throughout the Gulf States.

Then came 9/11. Then came Afghanistan. Then came Iraq. Now Bush is giving Israel carte blanche in Syria and the Occupied Territories. Life for Arab-Americans became much harder, and the administration can't help the fact that everybody glances at an Arab on an airplane.

Now they get to choose again, and they're considered an important swing vote, especially in Michigan. The Washington Post reports on an event run by the Arab American Institute to introduce Democratic candidates (plus a Bush representative) to some of the leaders of the Arab-American community. The event was hosted by the influential James Zogby, a member of the Democratic National Committee as well as head of the AAI.

"Afterward, Sami Merhi of New Jersey, who identified himself as a Bush supporter in 2000, said [Bush's representative]'s performance convinced him that "if Bush got 50 percent of the Arab American vote last time, he'll be lucky to get 5 percent next year."