A recent survey reveals that Black registered voters hold a highly positive opinion of Vice President Kamala Harris, although many are unsure if she would bring significant change to the country. The poll, conducted in mid-September, found that around 70% of Black voters have a favorable view of Harris, with little variation between men and women or across age groups.
In contrast, Black voters overwhelmingly hold negative views of former President Donald Trump, highlighting the challenges he faces in trying to gain support from this key Democratic constituency. According to the survey, two-thirds of Black voters identify as Democrats, around 20% as independents, and approximately 10% as Republicans.
Despite their positive views of Harris, many Black voters are uncertain about her potential to bring about major changes. Only half of them believe Harris would improve the country significantly, while others are less confident, with some expressing skepticism about the overall impact of the upcoming election on their personal lives.
Raina Johnson, a 53-year-old safety case manager from Chicago, shared her thoughts, stating, "The Democratic Party is not strong enough for me." While she predicted that Harris would make efforts for the people, she expressed concern about the limitations Harris might face, similar to Barack Obama's presidency.
When asked about the candidates’ ability to address top issues like the economy, healthcare, and crime, most Black voters favored Harris. Around 80% of Black voters consider the economy a critical factor, and about three-quarters listed healthcare as a top concern. Harris held a strong advantage over Trump in these areas, as well as in topics like gun control and climate change. On abortion policy, for example, she led Trump by a 60-point margin.
Trump's campaign has made efforts to engage with Black communities, focusing on issues like the economy, immigration, and traditional values. Despite this outreach, many Black voters, such as Rod Wettlin, a retired Air Force veteran, remain deeply opposed to Trump, expressing concerns about the potential implications of his presidency on democracy.
While some Black voters, particularly women and older individuals, view Harris as a champion for their communities, Trump's support remains weak among Black voters. The poll showed that about 80% of Black voters have an unfavorable opinion of Trump, with only 15% holding a favorable view.
Roslyn Coble, a 63-year-old resident of Oakboro, North Carolina, expressed her concerns, saying, "If Donald Trump gets it, it's going to be bad. He already told us what he's going to do."
As the election nears, both the Harris and Trump campaigns are working to engage Black voters. Trump’s team has held events in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, and Milwaukee, while Harris’ campaign has focused on Black communities, particularly Black men, with the help of lawmakers, celebrities, and civil rights leaders.
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