One in four black men back Trump

Before the Democratic National Convention, a Reuters poll revealed that over 25% of young Black men are considering supporting Republican candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. This information was disclosed in an NAACP poll released earlier in the month.

While Black voters have traditionally been a loyal Democratic constituency, there has been a decline in confidence among some younger Black voters and Black men of all ages during President Joe Biden’s term. Despite playing a significant role in securing Biden’s presidency in 2020, Black voters are now being actively sought after by Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in an effort to ensure their support for the upcoming presidential election on November 5.

The recent NAACP survey, conducted from August 6 to August 12 and involving 1,000 registered Black voters across the U.S., indicated that 63% of Black voters plan to support Harris, compared to 13% for Trump. However, 26% of Black men under 50 expressed their support for Trump, while 49% backed Harris. Among Black men over 50, 77% indicated their support for Harris. Meanwhile, 67% of Black women expressed their support for Harris, while 8% indicated their support for Trump.

The survey found that the top issues for Black voters were the economy, crime, and public safety, with the cost of food and groceries, housing, and utilities being the most significant economic stressors. Economic issues were cited as most important by 82% of Black men under 50 and 75% of Black women of all ages.

Additionally, the survey revealed that voter messaging emphasising rights “being under attack” has the most significant potential to motivate undecided voters and younger Black men. This polling data has to worry the Harris campaign that needs both: a high Black turnout and 90% Black support if she is to prevail in swing states including: Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan where the demographic is a significant portion of the Democratic base. If even 15 percent of Black voters in those states support Trump, Harris’s path to victory starts to becomes very problematic.

Christopher Peeks is a disabled veteran who served in the Afghanistan War. He is a native of Locust Fork, Alabama in Blount County. He owns and manages the Alabama Political Contributor website.

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