As the 2024 election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris is focusing on a key demographic that has become increasingly crucial: Black men. Recent polling has shown a notable shift of support among Black male voters toward former President Donald Trump, a trend that has raised alarms within the Democratic Party. To address this, Harris is set to launch a concerted effort to win back these voters by highlighting policies aimed at improving economic opportunities, criminal justice reform, and addressing issues disproportionately affecting Black men.
For decades, Black Americans have been a core constituency of the Democratic Party, with Black women consistently showing the highest level of support for Democratic candidates. However, Black men, while still largely aligned with the Democratic Party, have become a more contested group. In 2020, Trump garnered 19% of the Black male vote, an increase from the 13% he received in 2016, signaling a growing appeal among this demographic.
Several factors contribute to this shift. Some Black men have responded positively to Trump’s messaging on economic empowerment, particularly his claims of record-low Black unemployment during his presidency, pre-pandemic. His administration’s support for criminal justice reform, including the signing of the First Step Act, which reduced sentences for nonviolent offenders, has also been cited as a reason for increased support. Additionally, Trump’s anti-establishment rhetoric has resonated with some Black men who feel disillusioned with both parties.
Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, is uniquely positioned to lead the effort to reengage Black male voters. Her strategy will focus on key policy areas that directly impact their lives, with the goal of demonstrating that the Biden-Harris administration offers a better path forward than Trump’s promises.
A central pillar of Harris’ outreach will be her focus on expanding economic opportunities for Black men. This includes highlighting the Biden administration’s initiatives such as the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aim to create jobs and improve economic mobility, particularly in underserved communities. Harris is expected to emphasize the administration’s support for minority-owned businesses, access to capital, and workforce training programs, aimed at addressing systemic barriers to economic advancement.
Harris will also focus on criminal justice reform, a crucial issue for many Black men who have been disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. As a former prosecutor, Harris has faced criticism from some progressives for her past positions, but she has since pushed for reform measures within the administration. Harris is likely to tout the administration’s support for reducing mandatory minimum sentences, promoting police accountability, and expanding reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Access to affordable healthcare and education will be key talking points in Harris’ efforts. The Biden administration has expanded access to healthcare through the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, and Harris will stress the importance of these programs for improving health outcomes in Black communities. Additionally, she will advocate for policies aimed at reducing student debt, increasing access to higher education, and promoting vocational training as pathways to economic success.
Harris is expected to lean into the administration’s broader agenda on racial equity, which includes addressing systemic racism and its impact on Black Americans. This includes the establishment of an equity task force, efforts to reduce racial disparities in housing and healthcare, and policies aimed at closing the racial wealth gap.
Winning back Black male voters who have moved toward Trump will not be an easy task. Trump’s appeal to Black men has been bolstered by his messaging that focuses on economic self-reliance, skepticism of the political establishment, and a promise of law and order. Moreover, some Black men have expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party, arguing that their concerns have not been adequately addressed over the years.
Harris faces the challenge of not only addressing these concerns but also overcoming the perception that Democrats take the Black vote for granted. Her task is further complicated by her own record as California’s Attorney General, which some critics argue was not progressive enough on criminal justice reform.
Conclusion
As Harris embarks on her mission to win back Black men who have shifted toward Trump, she will need to combine a clear policy vision with a direct appeal that resonates with their concerns. With the 2024 election shaping up to be closely contested, the success of this outreach could be pivotal in determining the outcome. By focusing on economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, and racial equity, Harris hopes to convince Black men that the Biden-Harris administration offers a better future than a return to Trump’s presidency.