Staff Reports
The latest campaign antics from Vice President Kamala Harris have taken a desperate pivot toward courting Black voters as her path to a potential presidency grows increasingly precarious. Amid signs that high-profile former President Donald Trump is attracting a surprising level of support from this pivotal demographic, Harris has rolled out an “opportunity agenda” aimed specifically at Black men. This five-point plan, which includes grand ideas like legalizing marijuana and providing “fully forgivable” loans, might just earn her a few brownie points. Still, it’s less of a well-thought-out initiative and more of a last-minute scramble to stop the bleeding.
At a recent rally, Harris touted her commitment to empowering Black men with the “tools” for financial freedom and a better life. The irony here is palpable; her party has spent years preaching victimhood and dependence rather than encouraging self-sufficiency. Now, with polls showing Black men veering toward Trump faster than Harris can say “equity,” the urgency to “equip” them is striking, if not laughable.
VP Harris downplays polling that suggests Trump is making inroads among Black male voters:
"One, that's not my experience. Two, Election Day has not arrived yet. And the third point … Black men are no different from anybody else. They expect that you have to earn their vote." pic.twitter.com/6bPLbPBJn2
— The Recount (@therecount) October 14, 2024
In an effort to rally the troops, the Democratic dream team has emerged, including former heavyweights like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Their strategy seems to involve labeling Trump as a racist, hoping to scare voters into submission. Obama’s recent attempts to charm and scold Black voters by reminiscing about his glory days won’t likely do much to convince those who are tired of rhetoric with no substance. Meanwhile, C.J. Pearson, an outspoken Trump supporter, hit the nail on the head, asserting that the attempt to shame voters into supporting a candidate lacking a solid plan is a recipe for failure.
Three weeks away from election day, Harris finds herself in a rather embarrassing position. The candidate who was once the golden girl of the Democratic Party is now scrambling to win over voters who have historically leaned her way. The polls tell a stark story; while a hefty percentage of Black voters still prefer Harris, the drop-off from Biden’s support is alarming. If current trends hold, she could stand to lose millions of votes, which could mean a disastrous outcome for her campaign.
As Trump’s support among Black voters continues to climb, the math is simple but bleak for Harris. With polls indicating that up to 20% of Black men plan to cast their ballots for Trump, the former president isn’t just munching on the traditional Democratic share; he’s gorging on it. Analysts have noted that winning even a fraction of votes in swing states could tip the scales—so much for the solid blue wall Democrats have come to depend on.
The Trump campaign is clearly pleased with this trend, utilizing it as fuel for their strategy. Highlighting Trump’s record-low unemployment rates and funding for Historically Black Colleges, they’ve made it clear that Harris’ urgency is indeed a product of panic. Vernon Jones, a former state legislator and a staunch Trump supporter, expertly articulated the predicament, suggesting that Harris is late to the game. The damage, it seems, is already done, leaving Harris with a glittering campaign agenda that may shine but lacks substance. If the impending election results don’t go her way, it would be hard not to look back at this cringe-worthy attempt at outreach as a pivotal moment in her campaign’s demise.
