On Oct. 7, 2023, a series of pivotal events unfolded that could shape the landscape of the upcoming November election. Hamas staged raids into Israel, sparking a significant conflict in the Middle East. The subject of abortion remains prominent in the election, but the Middle East crisis has the potential to overshadow it.
The Democratic Party is facing a schism, with tensions rising over protests at universities related to human rights in Gaza. Antisemitism has been a concern in these demonstrations, leading to a delicate balance for Democrats between supporting protests and addressing antisemitism.
Republicans have seized on the Democratic divide, with House Speaker Mike Johnson leading investigations into universities and their handling of campus unrest. The GOP aims to condition financial aid to universities based on their response to such situations.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona condemned the harassment of Jewish students on campuses, prompting calls for increased federal investigations into civil rights violations. Republicans are pushing for budget cuts to the Department of Education and universities that fail to protect students.
The upcoming election is likely to reflect the ongoing campus unrest and the differing approaches of Democrats and Republicans to address the issue. The GOP sees an opportunity to capitalize on the chaos on campuses and their stance on protecting students' rights.
