A recent poll conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in mid-September revealed that Black registered voters have a favorable view of Vice President Kamala Harris. The poll found that about 7 in 10 Black voters have a positive view of Harris, with few differences between Black men and women voters. However, Black voters are less certain about whether Harris would change the country for the better, with only about half agreeing that she would do so. Despite the overwhelmingly negative view of former President Donald Trump among Black voters, there is still some skepticism about Harris’ potential impact on their lives.
One Black voter, Raina Johnson, expressed her dissatisfaction with both parties, feeling that the Democratic Party is not strong enough for her. Johnson believed Harris would try to help the people but was skeptical due to limitations faced by previous Democratic leaders like Barack Obama. While Johnson felt the election was crucial, she did not think it would have a significant personal impact on her life. Most Black voters believe that Harris would handle key issues such as the economy, health care, and crime better than Trump, who is attempting to make inroads into the Democratic base among Black voters, especially younger Black men.
While some Black voters support Harris as a strong figure who would fight for people like them, others remain skeptical about the impact of the election. Rod Wettlin, a retired Air Force veteran, expressed concerns about the election’s implications for American democracy and the potential for civil unrest. Despite a negative view of Trump among Black voters, some also express skepticism about Joe Biden, with only 55% of Black men voters having a favorable view of him. Black voter engagement organizations have reported increased energy and focus since Harris entered the race, with both the Harris and Trump campaigns targeting Black voters through various outreach efforts.
The poll of 1,771 registered voters conducted in September 2024 revealed insights into the views of Black voters on the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates. While Black voters generally have a positive view of Harris, there is still uncertainty about the impact she would have on the country. The skepticism extends to both major parties, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party and concerns about the future. As the election approaches, the campaigns are intensifying their efforts to reach out to Black voters, recognizing the importance of this key demographic in the electoral process.
