“Political promises resemble marriage vows in many ways. They are made during the initial stages of the relationship between a candidate and a voter but tend to be forgotten soon after.” – Dick Gregory
The Republican and Democratic parties possess unique advantages and disadvantages among different segments of the American population. However, losing supporters does not necessarily result in an immediate shift towards the opposite end of the political spectrum. For instance, in the case of a major issue like abortion during the last election, a significant surge towards the opposing party does not signify a permanent farewell to the party that has long fulfilled a voter’s political requirements. Once the election concludes, those who voted against their party’s stance typically return, and the party resumes its regular operations.
Since the split between Hamilton and Jefferson during the first Congress in 1798, the two major parties in the United States have been divided. The political landscape has also witnessed adjustments due to the migration of people across the country. In particular, during the Great Depression, there was a shift towards the left among Black Americans. This marked a significant change within our two-party system, as they were the last major group to deviate from the established party lines. However, a recent study conducted by Pew suggests that this dynamic is gradually changing. Many Black voters are now feeling neglected and left behind after the elections concluded.
Since the Civil Rights era, Democratic candidates have enjoyed broad support from Black voters. However, several Black youth groups have been cautioning Democrats that their vote is no longer a sure thing.
Lyndon B. Johnson once said, “A president’s most challenging duty is not simply to carry out what is right, but to have the wisdom to discern what is right.” This insightful quote highlights the immense responsibility placed on the shoulders of a president. It emphasizes the need for a leader to possess the ability to make informed decisions and navigate complex situations with clarity and integrity. Ultimately, a president’s role goes beyond mere action; it requires a deep understanding of what is truly in the best interest of the nation and its people.
Every election season, Democrats consistently reach out to Black voters. This year is no different, as polls reveal that Black voters are dissatisfied with the state of the economy, Biden’s stance on Hamas, and the unchecked influx of illegal immigrants into the country. As a result, Biden appears to be facing apprehension and concern within the Black communities of America.
Biden started his journey to engage with Black voters by delivering a commencement speech at Morehouse College in Georgia. His message to the educated Black graduates from this prestigious southern institution was far from the conventional expectations one might have for a President of the United States.
In his speech, Biden addressed various issues including white supremacy, systemic racism, the killing of Black men on the streets, and the alleged efforts by Republicans to restrict Black voting rights. However, it is important to note that in the upcoming Senate nominations in Georgia for 2022, two Black men are being featured as nominees. By claiming that America is racist and suggesting that Morehouse graduates will fail if he is not reelected, Biden undermines the reputation of one of the country’s most esteemed institutions and disrespects its accomplished graduates.
In a rare encounter with college students, Joe Biden chose an inappropriate moment to address the issue of racism, especially given the current tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza. The purpose of a commencement speech is to inspire and motivate graduates as they embark on their journey into the world, encouraging them to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. However, Biden missed the mark on this occasion, descending to a new low.
Morehouse stands out when it comes to addressing social justice matters, boasting Martin Luther King as its most renowned alumnus. Following Biden’s address, a CNN reporter spoke with a student who expressed, “Our university takes great pride in our history of advocating for peaceful protests.” The student further emphasized, “Joe Biden lacks an understanding of our experiences and struggles.”
“You can quote me on this: the future of our democracy hinges on my reelection,” said Joe Biden.
If Biden’s performance at Morehouse College is meant to shape his campaign to persuade Black Americans to rally behind the Democratic Party in the next election, he may face significant challenges. U.S. Senator JD Vance, a Republican from Ohio, has a message for Mr. Biden: “I have news for you, Mr. Biden. It’s 2024, not the era of Jim Crow in the South. Despite Biden’s negative racial portrayals, the truth is that Morehouse graduates thrive and succeed in life.”
Educated Black youths today are seeking more than just empty promises in exchange for their vote. Having witnessed the progress they achieved during the Trump administration diminish within a short span of three years, they have grown skeptical of the ability of Democrats and Biden to restore their confidence.
Stephen King once said, “The liar’s most useful tool is the trust of the innocent.”
In 2020, Joe Biden made a controversial statement when he said, “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black.” This comment drew criticism and raised concerns about Biden’s understanding of the Black community and their political choices. Similarly, in 2022, Roland Martin expressed his disappointment in Black ministers who aligned themselves with Trump, highlighting the division within the community. More recently, Charles Barkley expressed his frustration, stating, “If I see a Black person walking around with Trump’s mugshot, I’ll punch him in the face.” These instances reflect the left’s apprehension that Black voters may deviate from their traditional voting patterns and align themselves with other political ideologies.
According to recent Gallup Poll data, the Democratic Party’s historical advantage among Latino, Asian, and Black communities has reached its lowest point in over 60 years. This poses a significant challenge for President Biden and the Democrats. Over the past two decades, Black Americans and other minorities have experienced upward mobility, with more individuals graduating from college and gaining a deeper understanding of America’s true history. As a result, the left’s Great Society rhetoric no longer resonates as strongly as it once did.
According to data provided by the Financial Times, the Democratic coalition’s most loyal segment is seeking greater representation of their concerns. In fact, there is a possibility of a significant number of them voting for the Republican party, a trend not witnessed since the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1950s. African Americans, in particular, have little interest in the progressive agenda’s emphasis on environmental issues and abortion. Climate change, for instance, holds no appeal for them, as it does not align with their priorities. Instead, they prioritize matters such as family safety, job security, inflation, and the rising cost of living. Additionally, they value the importance of having and raising children, rather than considering abortion as a solution.
Larry Sabato from the University of Virginia highlights the significant support that Black voters have shown for Trump in both national and state polls. Although Biden has the backing of older Black voters, Democrats are concerned about losing the support of younger Black voters. These voters are frustrated with Biden’s perceived lack of action on their key priorities. Moreover, they are dissatisfied with his handling of the economy, unfulfilled promises, and the impact of illegal immigrants on job opportunities.
According to Ben Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” The unwavering support of Black America for Democrats has not yielded significant results. Presently, the younger generation of Black Americans is beginning to question this loyalty. It is important to remember that African Americans are first and foremost Americans, with the same concerns and emotions as their fellow citizens. They are well aware that many of the elements that made America a great nation in the past have diminished under the leadership of Joe Biden. Therefore, it is not surprising that educated Black voters are increasingly turning away from the left.
A recent poll by the Wall Street Journal reveals that 57% of Black men intend to back Biden in the upcoming election, with only 30% expressing their support for Trump. This could potentially spell disaster for Joe Biden, considering that in the previous election, an overwhelming 87% of Black men voted for him. Furthermore, 93% of Black women voted for Biden in the last election, and his victory was by a narrow margin.
Black Americans have witnessed the left’s misuse of the judicial system in their attempt to bring down Donald Trump. They have empathized with his experience and understand that in a nation where justice is not administered wisely, no one is truly safe. This realization has led many to believe that a change in leadership is necessary. They hope for this change to begin from the top on Election Day rather than later, from the bottom up.
For years, Black voters have come to the realization that they have been consistently giving their vote to Democrats without receiving any tangible returns. This has left them feeling shortchanged and now, many are hopeful for a change in the next election. However, it remains to be seen whether their efforts will yield any fruitful results.
Thomas Sowell once said, “Capitalism knows only one color: that color is green; all else is necessarily subservient to it, hence, race, gender, and ethnicity cannot be considered within it.” This powerful statement highlights the dominance of capitalism and how it prioritizes financial gain above all else. According to Sowell, factors such as race, gender, and ethnicity are not taken into account within the framework of capitalism. In this perspective, the focus is solely on economic prosperity, disregarding any other considerations.