Biden Campaign Beginning to Fret About Losing More of the Black Vote

Black Americans have consistently supported the Democratic Party since 1960 when John Kennedy intervened on behalf of Martin Luther King, who was arrested during a sit-in in Atlanta. Kennedy's intervention resulted in King's release and gained support from King's father, who was a Republican. This, along with civil rights legislation, solidified the black vote for the Democratic Party.

In 1960, Kennedy secured 68% of the black vote, surpassing Adlai Stevenson's 60% in 1956. The Democrats' share of black votes increased over time, reaching a peak of 95% for Barack Obama in 2008.

However, after Obama's 97% in 2012, the Democrats' hold on the black vote has declined. It dropped to 93% in 2016 and further to 90% in 2020 for Joe Biden.

Listening to a focus group of black men reveals concerns for Democrats. Eight men who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 expressed negative feelings about the economy. They used words like "discouraged," "pathetic," and "pessimistic." Some criticized sending money abroad instead of addressing domestic issues.

The left-leaning polling group HIT Strategies conducted this focus group. Partisan Democrats might find these answers puzzling given the perceived strong economy.

Recent weeks have seen the president and administration members promoting their achievements in boosting the economy post-pandemic. Biden highlighted the historic low unemployment of 3.5%. Despite this, many voters face inflation impacting their living standards.

A woman's comparison of grocery prices between 2020 and 2023 exemplifies this issue. Items that cost $10 in 2020 now cost $15. Economic statistics matter little to those struggling to provide for their families.

Biden's optimistic economic outlook is not resonating with the public. A Quinnipiac University survey found 58% disapproval of his economic handling. Even among Black voters, 35% disapprove, a significant shift from 2020. His ratings among Hispanic voters are worse, with 50% disapproving.

Respondents expressed uncertainty about the future economic trajectory, describing mixed messages about a possible recession.

When choosing between Trump and Biden, some seek alternatives. An African American man from Cleveland expressed dissatisfaction with both past presidents and hopes for an alternative candidate.

Biden needs strong black voter support, especially in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan. With Trump gaining traction in this critical demographic and Biden's struggles with white working-class voters, Democrats might need to be concerned.