The Black vote has been a significant voting bloc for the Democratic Party. However, as the progressive agenda gains traction in the party, black men with Traditional Values find themselves at odds. Vice President Kamala Harris is trailing Biden’s 2020 campaign by 10% among black voters. Donald Trump’s support among Black males has grown in recent years. Going back is not viewed negatively by all.
Shifting Political Allegiances
The Democratic Party is facing a significant challenge as it battles declining support among Black men, a key demographic in its traditional base. Recent polls and trends show a growing gap between the party’s progressive agenda and the traditional values held by many Black men, which could reshape the political landscape in upcoming elections.
A New York Times/Siena College poll revealed that Vice President Kamala Harris is struggling to consolidate support among Black voters, trailing President Biden’s 2020 numbers by approximately 10 percentage points. This decline in support is particularly pronounced among Black men, with their backing for Democrats dropping from 87% for Obama in 2012 to a projected 70% for Harris in 2024.
Democrats LOVE straight black men who “get in line” behind black women,
think guys can have babies, promote drag queens in schools, & push abortion at HBCUs. They HATE black men w/traditional values who reject the belief that Uncle Sam is a better husband & dad than they are. https://t.co/5EJDkreknO pic.twitter.com/hf4TmCTeu8— Delano Squires (@DelanoSquires) May 6, 2024
Economic Concerns and Unfulfilled Promises
Economic stagnation and unfulfilled campaign promises are key factors contributing to the disillusionment of Black men with the Democratic Party. Many feel that despite years of loyalty, their economic situation has not improved significantly under Democratic leadership. This perception has led some to consider alternative options, including support for former President Trump, based on his claims of economic success during his tenure.
“People are disappointed with the Democrats” – David Childs
The Biden-Harris administration has made efforts to address these concerns, including doubling SBA loans since 2020 and providing significant student loan forgiveness. However, the challenge remains in effectively communicating these policy successes and addressing the specific needs and concerns of Black men.
Black men are the second-most reliable constituency for the Democratic Party in the last few elections. (Black women are first.)
So why all the chatter over Black men supporting Donald Trump this year? https://t.co/p3Q1lEUK1o
— Reveal (@reveal) October 25, 2024
Cultural Divide and Social Values
Another significant factor in the declining support is the resistance to the Democratic Party’s growing social liberalism, particularly on LGBTQ rights. This ideological shift has created a cultural divide, alienating some Black men who hold more traditional views on family and marriage.
“some aspects of Democratic liberal orthodoxy contribute to the exodus of conservative minorities from the party” – Thomas Edsall
The perception that the Democratic Party only tolerates men who share feminist and LGBTQ values has widened the gap. Some Black men believe that the party no longer represents their traditional values, which leads to a sense of political homelessness.
Leadership and Representation
The issue of representation has also emerged, with some Black men expressing reservations about supporting a female presidential candidate. Cliff Albright expressed this sentiment, saying, “I do not think a woman should be president.” Such views have sparked criticism from prominent figures such as Barack Obama and Spike Lee, who have chastised Black men for not supporting Vice President Harris.
However, some have interpreted this criticism as an oversimplification of their concerns, alienating those who believe their voices are not being heard within the party. When all is said and done, elections must reflect the issues and the candidates’ positions for the benefit of all.
Sources:
Why are Democrats losing black voters?
As black voters hesitate on Harris, Democrats race to win them over.
