Staff Reports
The Vice President’s campaign appears to be facing a crisis, particularly among Black voters who have traditionally been loyal to the Democratic Party. A recent poll reveals that Kamala Harris is not just struggling, but is on track to receive significantly fewer votes from this demographic compared to her predecessor. Instead of the robust support that President Biden enjoyed in 2020, Harris is staring at a meager 78 percent approval rate from Black voters, a staggering decline from Biden’s impressive 90 percent. The Democrats’ reliance on identity politics and guilt-tripping isn’t just ineffective, it’s blatantly backfiring, and the party leaders may be in for a rude awakening come Election Day.
The situation gets increasingly dire when one considers just how many Black voters are opting for Donald Trump. Approximately 15 percent of Black voters are reportedly leaning towards the former president, marking a six-point increase since the last election. If this trend continues, it could shake up the race in pivotal swing states where Black voter turnout is crucial, like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. It’s almost as if the Democrats are handing away their support like candy at a parade—except the candy is dwindling faster than they can replace it.
Decline in Black Voter Support Imperils Kamala Harris’s Bid for the Presidency https://t.co/EIPYrkGd3t pic.twitter.com/SMzzirWvZg
— FutureTrump2️⃣⏺2️⃣4⃣🍊 (@RealTrump2020_) October 12, 2024
The breakdown of support among gender lines paints an even more troubling picture for Harris. While 83 percent of Black women still say they’ll support her, only 70 percent of Black men feel the same way. This drastic drop from Biden’s 85 percent among Black men should be setting off alarm bells in the Democratic camp. Younger Black voters are expressing palpable frustration with the party, with many believing that the Republicans are more likely to deliver on their promises. A staggering 40 percent of Black voters under 30 expressed trust in the GOP over the Democrats. The notion that the Democrats are failing to connect with the very demographic that has upheld them for decades is a stark warning signal.
In an attempt to salvage the situation, Harris has ramped up outreach efforts, including visits to historically Black colleges and community events in contested states. However, such efforts may fall flat given the pressing economic concerns that are top of mind for many voters. Nearly three-quarters of Black voters currently rate the economy as fair or poor, highlighting an issue that could overshadow any campaign rhetoric Harris tries to deploy.
With Election Day fast approaching and less than a month left to turn this ship around, it might already be too late for Harris to regain lost ground among Black voters. The current trajectory suggests that her campaign isn’t just in trouble; it’s sinking. Unless Team Harris can address the core issues that are driving Black voters away, it looks like they may have to brace for a disappointing finish come November.
