President Joe Biden has been engaging in outreach efforts to gain support from Black voters, following a New York Times/Siena College poll that showed former President Donald Trump garnering more than 20% of the Black vote in six swing states. This has raised concerns about Biden’s ability to secure the level of Black voter support needed to win the 2024 election. The potential for a sharp drop in Black voter turnout, similar to what happened in 2016, could pose a significant challenge for Biden. The polls are indicating a lack of enthusiasm among Black voters, prompting Biden to intensify his efforts to connect with this crucial constituency.
During a meeting with politically active voters in Detroit, it was found that there is a sense of disappointment among younger Black voters who feel that Biden’s policy achievements have not had a significant impact on their lives. While they acknowledge some positive changes, such as lowering insulin prices and executive actions on student debt, they feel that the benefits are not reaching their communities. This sentiment is contributing to a lack of enthusiasm towards Biden and the political system in general. Additionally, there is a perception that Biden’s policies focus on incremental changes rather than addressing the urgent need for transformative measures to improve economic security.
Despite the disappointment in Biden’s policies, there is also a lack of fear or dread towards Trump among these voters. Some see Trump’s offensive remarks and actions as pandering rather than a true reflection of racism. The lack of enthusiasm for both candidates and a feeling of apathy towards the political system could pose challenges for mobilizing Black voters to turn out in the upcoming election. The Trump administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its denial of the crisis could resonate with voters in Michigan, particularly in cities like Detroit, which were severely impacted by the virus.
To address the lack of enthusiasm among Black voters, the Biden campaign is focusing on highlighting the positive impact of its policies on the Black community and drawing attention to the failures of the Trump administration. Efforts are being made to engage with community leaders, make appearances, and utilize social media to reach voters where they are. Trusted messengers, such as local influencers and Vice President Kamala Harris, could play a key role in reconnecting with ambivalent voters. Emphasizing the importance of Harris and ensuring she is visible and engaged in communities could help generate excitement and turnout for the election.
Organizations and community leaders in Detroit are working to mobilize and engage with young Black male voters who may feel disillusioned by the political process. Efforts are being made to counter misinformation spread through unofficial channels like masculinity-centric podcasts and social media channels that appeal to the frustrations of young Black men. Democrats are being advised to engage with these voters through trusted community partners and surrogates to combat misinformation and present a positive and engaging vision for the future. The goal is to reinvigorate Black voter enthusiasm and ensure high turnout in the upcoming election.
