Summary:
Democrats are becoming increasingly concerned about a possible drop in Black voter turnout for the 2024 presidential election, according to party insiders. The worries arise from a 10% decrease in Black voter turnout in the 2022 midterms compared to 2018, a more substantial decline than any other racial or ethnic group, as per a Washington Post analysis. The decline was particularly significant among younger and male Black voters in crucial states like Georgia, where Democrats aim to mobilize Black voter support for President Biden in 2024.
The Democratic party has acknowledged the need to bolster their outreach efforts to this demographic. W. Mondale Robinson, founder of the Black Male Voter Project, highlighted the need for Democrats to refocus their attention on Black male voters, who have shown lower levels of engagement. In response, Biden’s team has pledged to communicate more effectively about the benefits that the Black community has reaped under Biden’s administration, according to Cedric L. Richmond, a senior advisor at the Democratic National Committee.
However, Black voter advocates have identified deep-seated issues affecting Black voter turnout. Many Black men reportedly feel detached from the political process and uninspired by both parties’ policies. Terrance Woodbury, CEO of HIT Strategies, a polling firm, suggests that the Democratic party’s focus on countering Trump and Republican extremism doesn’t motivate younger Black men as much as arguments focused on policy benefits. Concerns are growing within the party that if they fail to address these issues, disenchanted Black voters might either abstain or, potentially, be swayed by Republican messaging on certain key issues.
Hold up. You think either party would endorse someone other than their own incumbent president?? That’s insane. If you don’t vote, you’re okay with throwing it to the Republican candidate?
Do you know how Republicans feel about the rail workers strike? How about my right to healthcare as a woman? Or the insane environmental policy they just came up with? The constant attacks on schools, libraries, and LGBTQ+ people?
There are so many more things I could list out. Cutting Medicare and social safety nets, slashing taxes for the rich, defunding the IRS, privatizing the internet, etc etc etc. Deciding not to vote because of the rail workers strike is INSANE. Was I happy about it? No. I’m still angry. But holy fuck there’s so much going on. I can’t possibly understand how you could ignore all the rest because of that. I also hate the DNC. I hated them in 2016, and I will hate them forever. But I guess I’m not selfish enough to throw a tantrum and withhold voting when it matters. And it DOES matter.