Middle East conflict, not so much Russia-Ukraine top of some US citizens' mind as presidential election looms
A Nevadan filmmaker told Eyewitness News that there is a portion of democratic supporters who are questioning the US’s policy in terms of what is unfolding in Gaza.
Israel and Palestinian flags. Picture: 123Rf
LAS VEGAS - The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is not top of mind for Americans as the United States (US) prepares for its presidential elections later in the year.
Some Americans in Las Vegas, Nevada, told Eyewitness News they are instead concerned about the country’s handling of the Middle East conflict.
The US and South Africa have been on polar ends when it comes to both conflicts.
South Africa is firmly on the side of the Palestinians during the current surge in violence.
Incumbent Joe Biden is on the Democratic Party ticket and is likely to face off with Republican Donald Trump.
Trump’s relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin is also likely to shape his response should he come into power.
University of Nevada’s Professor David Damore: “You would have a pulling back of US support of Ukraine, a much more aggressive tone in terms of the conflict in Gaza, I think you’d also see a much more aggressive tone to China.
"Biden is sort of trying to finesse there a little bit more but you’d see a much more aggressive approach from Trump in terms of what he did last time.”
Byron Brooks, founder of the Nevada Veterans’ Alliance, is a registered Republican who served in the Gulf War. He complained about US funding of military operations, saying it’s extremely high.
Brooks is lobbying for the federal government to include the cost of reintegrating members of the army back to civilian life.
“I am looking forward to a change, as I take a look at foreign policy and things that are happening, I think it’s time for a change.”
Meanwhile, a Nevadan filmmaker Chris Charles Scott said there is a portion of democratic supporters who are questioning the US’ policy in terms of what is unfolding in Gaza.
He suggested they might boycott Biden by not voting as a show of their disapproval of his handling of the Middle East conflict.
“We do not like what is happening to the Palestinian people, we do not like how Israel is conducting this and that is losing, losing, losing base democratic voters.”