What to watch for in the Michigan primary: From the Politics Desk

Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the on the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill.

In today’s edition, senior national political reporter Henry J. Gomez previews tonight's Democratic and Republican presidential primaries in Michigan. Plus, senior political editor Mark Murray explains why the 2024 primary results may not tell us all that much about a general election matchup between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

3 things to watch in the Michigan primary

By Henry J. Gomez

President Joe Biden got the early Michigan primary he wanted — or did he?

The results of today’s nominating contest there could show thefirst tangible signs of Democratic discontent with Biden at the ballot box in a state he pushed toward the front of the 2024 primary calendar.

On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump will look to continue his unbeaten primary streak as he marches on toward the nomination.

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Here are three dynamics to watch tonight in Michigan, where polls close at 9 p.m. ET:

1. Does “uncommitted” embarrass Biden? Biden should easily win the Democratic primary, but eyes will be closely fixed on the margins — particularly on what share of the vote goes to “uncommitted.” Activists angry over Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war are leading a protest vote campaign aimed at sending a pointed message. It could be a particularly potent one in Michigan, which has large Arab American and Muslim populations.

Organizers with Listen to Michigan, the group behind the uncommitted effort, say they hope to win 10,000 votes, which matches Trump’s margin of victory in