Staff Reports
President Biden addressed Black voters on Friday and emphasized his support for the community, as polls indicate a decline in his backing among African Americans. The president spoke virtually at the annual convention of the National Action Network, a civil rights organization established by Al Sharpton in 1991. During his speech, Mr. Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to make significant investments in the Black community and ensure their well-being during the pandemic.
Biden to Black voters: 'We've kept our promises' – https://t.co/opFm5yYxlB
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 12, 2024
However, recent polls reveal a decrease in Mr. Biden’s support among Black voters, particularly in swing states. A survey by the Wall Street Journal disclosed that 57% of Black men intend to support the president in the upcoming election, while 30% expressed their inclination towards former President Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee. This decline is noteworthy, considering that Mr. Biden secured 92% of the Black vote in 2020, as reported by Pew Research. Historically, Republican presidential candidates have struggled to garner significant support within the Black community, with the last notable success dating back to Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.
In response to this trend, the Biden campaign has intensified its outreach to Black voters, launching targeted advertisements and warning about the potential adverse impact of another Trump presidency on the Black community. The president’s appearance at the National Action Network convention aligns with a series of efforts by national political figures to engage with Black voters. This includes the involvement of notable individuals such as former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, political commentator Joe Scarborough, and actress Whoopi Goldberg.
As President Biden seeks to regain and retain support among Black voters, the forthcoming election will be a critical test of his ability to uphold his promises and advance the interests of the Black community.
