New Yorker writer Andrew Marantz describes Michigan's uncommitted, thousands of pro-Palestinian, anti-war protest voters who say they won't support Kamala Harris unless she changes her policy on Israel. Also, Kevin Whitehead shares an appreciation of jazz pianist Bud Powell, for his centennial. And film critic Justin Chang reflects on two new movies that examine the extremes of self-improvement: The Substance and A Different Man. Subscribe to Fresh Air's weekly newsletter and get highlights from the show, gems from the archive, and staff recommendations. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
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This is fresh air.
I'm Tanya Moseley.
In the battleground state of Michigan, the uncommitted, a pro palestinian group made up of muslim, arab american and college age voters, confirmed last week that they are nothing, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president out of concern for how the US is handling the Israel Hamas war.
But they also said they're not in support of former President Donald Trump or any other third party candidate.
My guest today, New Yorker staff writer Andrew Marantz, recently spent time in Michigan to understand the scope and size of the uncommitted movement and its potential impact on the November presidential election.
The group first launched in Michigan before expanding to other states, and it made the decision not to back Harris after the vice president did not respond to their request to meet with the loved ones of Palestinians who were killed in Gaza.
The group also wanted to meet directly with Harris to talk about an arms embargo on Israel.
Vice President Harris has held steady on her views and policy, expressing sympathy for both Israelis and Palestinians, while also repeating her stance that Israel has the right to defend itself and the need for a two state solution, much to the dismay of the uncommitted, who feel Harris has not strayed far from President Joe Biden's policy so far.
Marantz article among the Gaza protest voters appears in the current copy of the New Yorker.
He writes about technology, social media, politics and the press.
He's also the author of online extremists, Techno Utopians, and the hijacking of the American Conversation.
Andrew Marantz, welcome back to Fresh Air.
Thank you, Tanya.
Thanks so much for having me.
Andrew.
I think it would be a good idea to first ground our listeners and the size and influence of the uncommitted movement.