Published5. November 2024, 17:45
The third candidateJill Stein defends Clinton’s victory once – and now Harris?
In the US election campaign, the Democrats fear a physicist, a doctor and a country rock singer: the candidate of the American Green Party, Jill Stein (74).
von
Jill Stein (74) will run as a candidate for the US Green Party again in 2024.
Especially in swing states, it could cost Democrats crucial votes – as it did in 2016.
Stein’s stance on the Gaza conflict is gaining support from voters who previously voted for Democrats.
In the two-party system, a vote for Stein could indirectly strengthen Donald Trump.
Jill Stein is just that for US Democrats in the election campaign: a very annoying stone in the shoe. Once again. The 74-year-old US Green Party politician is running for a third term. She already had a spit in the soup of the Democrats in the 2016 elections.
At that time, for example, she received 31,000 good votes in Wisconsin, which was ultimately lacking for the Democrat Hillary Clinton: Trump eventually won Wisconsin with around 22,000 votes. In Pennsylvania and Michigan, Stein’s vote totals were also higher than Trump’s lead over Clinton.
“A vote for Stein is a vote for Trump”
In the two-party system in the USA, where even a few thousand votes for a third party could be dangerous for Democrats or Republicans, physicist Stein Kamala Harris can cause a real headache in 2024.
The Democrats recognized the danger: “A vote for Stein is really a vote for Trump,” they repeat on TV. “Jill Stein helped Trump once. “Don’t let this happen a second time,” their election posters urge the people of Michigan.
Arab-Americans and Muslims
Michigan is one of the swing states where Trump and Harris are almost tied. Many Arab Americans live here – according to estimates, there are up to 300,000 people of Arab descent in Michigan – who have already shown their hearts to the Green Party presidential candidate in
In the context of the current situation in Gaza and Lebanon, sympathy for Stein has increased significantly: many Arab-Americans and Muslims in Michigan who voted Democratic in 2016 and 2020 do not forgive the Democrats for the Middle East war with American weapons. They now sympathize with Stein, who brands Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip as “genocide” against the Palestinian civilian population.
“Strike the Empire Bow”
“Every vote is a blow to the empire’s bow for our campaign,” the 74-year-old doctor and former rock musician said at an election rally in Dearborn, Michigan, in October. “On election day we will pick up the phone and tell Bibi Netanyahu that his genocidal war is over.”
This also happens in the opposite spectrum. Stein recently had to turn down a proposal from Ku Klux Klan neo-Nazi and Holocaust denier David Duke, who praised her for her sharp criticism of Israel.
One percent in surveys
Stein is on the ballot in nearly 40 US states. With her electoral program, she makes a particular appeal to progressive voters who would otherwise vote in a more democratic way. “PeoplePeacePlanet” is their slogan, which appeals particularly to young voters, students and supporters of the extreme left wing Bernie Sanders.
Stein wants to raise the minimum wage to $25 and calls for cancellation of student loan debt, which equates to environmental protection. In opinion polls he is currently at one percent, the last result since 2016.
Democrat “overbearing”?
Stein doesn’t want to know about the fact that she is once again stealing votes from Kamala Harris and the Democrats. “It is an incredible assumption by the Democratic Party and the Harris campaign that the votes from the left camp and those with an Arab or Muslim background are theirs,” she says. «The Thinking Muslim» Podcast. “They should earn the votes, but they clearly don’t.”
None of this applies to Republican challenger Donald Trump. He said in June that he liked Stein because she drew votes from Democrats “100 percent.”
Are you following on Whatsapp for 20 minutes?
News overview in the morning and at the end of the day, surprising stories and breaking news: Subscribe to the 20 Minutes WhatsApp channel and you will receive regular updates with our best stories directly to your mobile.
Interview between Ann Guenter, Time.news Editor, and Dr. Lisa Monroe, Political Analyst and Expert on U.S. Elections
Ann Guenter: Welcome, Dr. Monroe! Thanks for joining us today. With the 2024 election fast approaching, the Green Party’s Jill Stein is once again making headlines. What are your thoughts on her potential impact on the upcoming election?
Dr. Lisa Monroe: Thank you for having me, Ann! Jill Stein’s candidacy is particularly interesting this time around because we have a clear precedent from the 2016 election. Her presence in the race could once again siphon off crucial votes from the Democratic candidate, especially in swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
Ann Guenter: That’s a striking point. In 2016, Stein took votes that may have made the difference for Hillary Clinton. Given the current political landscape, do you believe she poses a similar threat to Kamala Harris’s campaign this year?
Dr. Lisa Monroe: Absolutely. The Democrats are very aware of this risk. Stein’s votes in critical battleground states could be the difference again. Since she’s gaining traction among specific demographics, particularly Arab-Americans and those disillusioned with the Democratic Party’s stance on foreign policy, her campaign could lean heavily on those who feel neglected.
Ann Guenter: Speaking of demographics, it’s noteworthy that Stein is drawing support from communities that traditionally lean Democratic due to dissatisfaction with the party’s foreign policy. How does that play into her strategy?
Dr. Lisa Monroe: Stein’s strategy hinges on her strong anti-war rhetoric and her positions on issues like the Gaza conflict. Many Arab-Americans and Muslims, especially those previously aligned with the Democratic Party, are feeling disillusioned. They resonate with Stein’s criticisms of U.S. foreign policy and especially her calls for immediate action regarding the Gaza situation. This could shift a significant number of votes away from the Democrats if those constituents feel their concerns aren’t being addressed.
Ann Guenter: And what about Stein’s broader appeal? Do you think her progressive platform is enough to attract young voters who might otherwise choose to stay home on election day?
Dr. Lisa Monroe: Definitely. Stein’s platform focuses on robust progressive policies that resonate with younger voters, like raising the minimum wage and canceling student debt. Her slogan, ”PeoplePeacePlanet,” is designed to capture the essence of what many young people are looking for—a holistic approach to social and economic issues. However, it remains to be seen whether this is enough to get them to the polls.
Ann Guenter: The Democratic Party seems to be on high alert, as indicated by their messaging that “a vote for Stein is a vote for Trump.” Do you think this will effectively deter voters from supporting her?
Dr. Lisa Monroe: The Democrats are clearly attempting to frame the narrative to retain those votes, especially since many are aware that in a two-party system, third-party votes can be detrimental. However, this framing risks backfiring; it might alienate some who feel authentically represented by Stein’s policies. Instead of persuading them, it could reinforce their decision to vote for her as a protest against a party they feel doesn’t represent their interests.
Ann Guenter: That’s a fascinating insight. As she runs again, do you believe there are aspects of her campaign that could be detrimental, or is she capitalizing fully on her previous experience?
Dr. Lisa Monroe: While her experience could provide a foundation for her campaign, she’s also under scrutiny. For example, her recent refusal to accept endorsement from controversial figures could be a double-edged sword. It showcases her commitment to her principles, but it also raises questions about her ability to navigate complex political landscapes. Each move she makes could significantly impact her perceived credibility.
Ann Guenter: As the election approaches, what do you think will be the key things to watch regarding Stein’s campaign?
Dr. Lisa Monroe: I’d keep an eye on her ability to maintain momentum in key demographics, especially as tensions rise around international issues. Moreover, seeing how the Democratic Party adapts its strategy in response to her candidacy will be crucial. Voter turnout among young people and those discontent with the mainstream options will be a significant indicator of her impact.
Ann Guenter: Thank you, Dr. Monroe, for your insightful analysis. It’ll be interesting to see how the dynamics unfold as we move closer to the election.
Dr. Lisa Monroe: Thank you, Ann. The 2024 election promises to be an engaging one, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss its intricacies with you.