Vice President Kamala Harris is making a direct appeal to Black men, a key voting group in the upcoming election. Harris is emphasizing the need to “earn” their support rather than assuming their votes due to shared identity.
“I think it’s very important to not operate from the assumption that Black men are in anybody’s pocket,” Harris explained during a conversation with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). “I’m working to earn the vote, not assuming I’m going to have it because I am Black.”
Economic Focus for Black Men
Polls show that former President Donald Trump is gaining support among younger Black men, a shift that could affect the outcome of the election. A recent poll from the NAACP found that more than 25% of Black men under 50 favor Trump over Harris.
Harris aims to counter this by focusing on economic opportunities. “We have so many entrepreneurs in the community who do not have access to capital,” she said. Harris has pushed policies like expanding community banks and providing more startup capital to help Black entrepreneurs. She also highlighted a $50,000 small business tax deduction and a proposal to eliminate medical debt from credit scores.
“When they do better economically, we all do better,” she said, stressing that these policies would uplift the entire country, not just specific groups.
Kamala Harris’ Campaign Strategy and Challenges
The Biden-Harris administration has been under pressure due to high inflation and rising living costs, making economic issues central to Harris’ campaign. By focusing on economic relief, she hopes to win over voters, particularly Black men, who feel left behind.
Harris is aware of the challenge. “Black men are like any other voting group. You gotta earn their vote,” she emphasized. The Democratic Party, once highly favored by Black voters, now faces vulnerabilities, especially with Trump drawing on nostalgia for his pre-pandemic economy.