Arab Americans in Michigan Could Deliver Biden’s First Blow

Ahead of Michigan’s primary, activists are encouraging voters to vote “uncommitted” to force the Biden campaign to take seriously the risk of losing the support of Muslim and Arab Americans. Local Arab American leaders refused to meet with a top Biden campaign adviser last month, and Trump’s campaign has begun courting these disillusioned voters, meeting with local Republicans, including Arab Americans, after a rally earlier in February. A new PRRI Spotlight Analysis shows the religious affiliation of Michiganders across the state, noting that about one-third of Michiganders identify as independents (32%), three in ten identify as Democrats (29%), and one-quarter identify as Republicans (26%).

What Is Christian Nationalism, Exactly?

At The New York Times, opinion columnist David French emphasizesthe difference between Christian nationalist ideology — which seeks to privilege Christianity in politics and law — and faith-based participation in politics that resists domination from any faith or creed. French, who appears in the new documentary “God and Country,” points to the negative impacts of both the belief that Christians should rule society (the Seven Mountain Mandate) and the zealous, good-versus-evil dynamic that raises the stakes of elections. Last year’sPRRI/Brookings Christian Nationalism report found that approximately three in ten Americans qualify as either Christian nationalism adherents or supporters.

Chief Enforcer of U.S. Gun Laws Fears Americans Becoming Numb to Violence

The Associated Press’s Alanna Durkin Richer reports that Steve Dettelbach, the head of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, recently met family members of the 18 people killed in October at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine. Chief among the concerns raised by the victims’ families were the overlooked red flags, including the assailant’s mental health and ability to buy a gun. Dettelbach argued that people must not accept gun violence as a prevalent part of American life. PRRI research finds that 46% of Americans say access to guns and gun safety is a critical election issue.

Equality Act Backers Undeterred by Lack of Progress Three Years Later

Brooke Migdon at The Hill reports on the stalled progress of the Equality Act after it failed to advance in the Senate. The bill would expand existing federal anti-discrimination laws to make gender identity and sexual orientation protected classes. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV.) is the sole Democratic holdout, arguingthat the Equality Act does not provide sufficient guidance regarding transgender students. PRRI researchfinds that nearly 80% of Americans — and more than 60% of Republicans — favor nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people.