By Roger Caldwell
President Biden and Vice President Harris cannot win the 2024 election without the Black vote. Recent polling show President Biden is underperforming with Black voters, particularly with Black men and young Black voters. Many Black young voters are unsure of who to vote for, and many are thinking about staying home.
There is a generational divide between Black older voters and many of the young Black voters, who have no knowledge of civil rights, and why voting is sacred to older Black women. Many young Blacks don’t know the history of lynching, homes being bombed, and communities being massacred for the right to vote.
How easy do Blacks forget in 1865 when the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, and the 14th and 15thAmendment gave Black citizenship and the right to vote. Even though these laws were passed many Blacks lost their lives as a result of racism, discrimination, and fighting for the right to vote.
In 2012, the turnout of Black voters exceeded that of White vote for Ex-President Obama’s election. This was the first time in history that this happened, and there is no reason this can’t be done again.
President Biden’s approval rating is lower now than when he took office, and Democrats cannot win without the Black vote. Age has become a big discontentment for young Black voters, and many of the Democratic leaders are not reaching the young voters. When Obama spoke he inspired Blacks to get excited and he impacted thousands to get out and vote.
The state of Black voting men in 2024 starts with education, and the importance of an informed voter. There are over 10 million Black men registered to vote, but the number should be larger, and more Black men must be registered and voting.
In the next presidential election cycle, Black men want to be taken seriously, and our issues discussed with solutions. The Democrats must have a comprehensive plan for Black men problems, and provide resources with solutions in our communities. There are 35% of Black men who always vote. There are 30% who never vote, and there are another 30% in the middle, who will vote with the right message.
The largest demographic that the Democrats can join our party is the young voter age group 18 to 30. The majorities in this age group are independents and many are frustrated with the high death toll in Gaza. Many young voters are blaming the high death toll on America, because America is providing Israel with the weapons to kill.
When President Biden stops providing Israel with weapons, there can be a cease-fire. Somewhere President Biden missed peace, and everywhere we look around the world there is war.
The young voters are correct when they are asked to join a political party, and they ask for peace. The difference between an older Black Democrat and a young Black Democrat is the young voter is an informed and knowledge voter.
The young Black voter needs informed messages from Democratic leadership to be engaged and enthusiastic. If Democrats want Black men engaged, they must have a comprehensive plan that fits our needs and desires.
Finally, President Biden does have a positive story for Black young voters, with student loan debt, and forgiveness. In three years President Biden has kept his promise and canceled $153 billion student loan debt for $4.3 million people.
Black men and young Black voters have not given up on voting, and the Democratic Party. They must be better informed with integrity and trust. Democratic leadership must have a plan, to get these groups excited, enthusiastic, and to the polls.
