President Biden recently made a weekend swing through Georgia and Michigan, where he spoke to large crowds of Black voters in an effort to revitalize his support. In Detroit, he touted his record for Black voters, highlighting his investments in historically Black colleges and universities, low Black unemployment rates, efforts to lower prescription drug prices, and actions on student debt relief. He contrasted his accomplishments with the actions of Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, suggesting that Trump would roll back the progress made during his administration. Biden thanked Black voters for their support in 2020 and emphasized the importance of their votes in the upcoming election.
During a commencement address at Morehouse College, a historically Black institution, President Biden discussed the topics of struggle, faith, and democracy. He questioned whether American democracy truly works for Black citizens, and tied restrictive voter laws and attacks on election workers to systemic issues facing Black communities. Biden also touched on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, expressing heartbreak over the situation and calling for a two-state solution and an immediate ceasefire. His remarks on Gaza generated applause from the audience, but also drew protests from some students who displayed Palestinian symbols in protest against Israeli military action.
The weekend visit to Atlanta and Detroit also saw President Biden making direct overtures to Black voters, acknowledging the importance of their support. His campaign has invested heavily in targeted advertising on Black-owned media and prioritized interviews on Black radio stations. While polls show that Biden still enjoys significant support among Black voters, particularly in crucial swing states like Georgia and Michigan, there has been a slight softening in that support. With less than six months until the election, Biden is focused on appealing to Black voters and highlighting the differences between his administration’s policies and those of his potential opponent, Donald Trump.
In Detroit, President Biden spoke at the NAACP’s “Fight for Freedom Fund” dinner, where he made clear his commitment to addressing the concerns of Black voters. He highlighted the financial support his administration has provided to historically Black colleges and universities, as well as his efforts to reduce unemployment rates and lower the cost of prescription drugs. Biden also spoke about his initiatives to relieve student debt, which has directly impacted individuals like Sonya Ellis, a 69-year-old teacher in Detroit. While expressing concerns about a potential Trump victory in November, Ellis praised Biden’s policies and hoped for continued progress.
The events in Atlanta and Detroit showcased President Biden’s efforts to engage with Black voters and emphasize the stakes of the upcoming election. During his speeches, he emphasized the importance of continued support from Black voters and contrasted his administration’s policies with those of his potential opponent. Biden addressed issues such as systemic racism, democracy, and the conflict in Gaza, seeking to connect with audiences on a personal and political level. As the campaign intensifies in the coming months, Biden’s outreach to Black voters will be a crucial part of his strategy to secure another term in office. While facing challenges and criticisms, particularly on the issue of Gaza, Biden remains committed to earning the trust and support of Black voters across the country.
