Back to Top

Tuesday November 06, 2012

Election 2012: One Community, Two Different Perspectives

Posted by Omar Tewfik at 11:01 am

Arab Americans are represented across the entire political spectrum, identifying as Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and members of the Green Party. This election Arab Americans, like the rest of the country, will help decide the outcome of this hard-fought presidential battle between a Republican Governor Mitt Romney and Democrat President Barack Obama.

In two separate op-eds, AAI President Jim Zogby and Chairman George Salem explain why they are backing their candidates for President. Zogby, in his personal capacity, supports President Obama and Salem in a similar vein supports Governor Romney. Though the two belong to different political parties, and support different candidates to lead the country, they both recognize and take pride in the importance of Arab American representation in all political parties.

Below are excerpts from their Op-Eds:

Mitt Romney Deserves the Arab-American Vote (special to Al Hayat) by AAI Chairman George Salem

"The coming presidential election presents a consequential choice for American voters. Many Americans are concerned with the direction their country is heading. Arab Americans are no different. As a community we are well integrated into American political life and an important voting constituency in many areas of the country. Our vote matters, as do the concerns and insight of our community matter this election season. In September 2012, the Arab American Institute released a poll on how the community will vote. The poll found that 16% of voters remain undecided and therefore up for grabs by both campaigns. These voters are listening closely for a campaign message that speaks to their concerns. On issues such as the economy, education, and engagement of the community, Governor Mitt Romney has made a strong case for why he deserves the Arab American vote." continue reading

Why I'll Vote to Re-Elect President Obama by AAI President Jim Zogby

"On November 6th, I will cast my vote to reelect Barack Obama as President of the United States. I will do so without hesitation despite the letdown that I and many in my community feel with the lack of change we hoped would come in several areas about which we care deeply.

Even with this disappointment, I can still quite confidently answer two critical questions in the affirmative: "Are we better off than we were four years ago?" and "Are we better off than we would have been had John McCain and Sarah Palin been elected in 2008?"

Just think back to where we were four years ago. The economy was in shambles. Millions faced foreclosure; pension funds had lost 20% to 30% of their wealth; unemployment was on its way to doubling; and, for many, the "American Dream" had become a mirage." continue reading

Tagged as Issues, US-Arab Relations, Presidential Candidates, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Posted by Omar Tewfik, Yalla Vote, Democrat, Election Central, Republican