According to a survey conducted last month by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 70% of the 1,771 surveyed Black registered voters expressed a positive view of Vice President Harris, but at the same time, they indicated uncertainty about whether Harris would make their lives better.
The mid-September survey revealed that two-thirds of Black voters see themselves as Democrats, about one-fifth identify as independents, and approximately one-tenth identify as Republicans.
Issues of utmost concern for African American voters include the economy, healthcare, crime, and public safety. Economic pressures they face mainly stem from rising prices of food and daily necessities, as well as increasing basic living expenses like housing and utilities.
In line with the overall electorate, about 80% of Black voters stated that the economy is one of the most important issues influencing their choices.
African American voters have traditionally been strong supporters of the Democratic Party, but confidence in the party has waned among some young African Americans and males of varying age groups.
The survey found that 7 out of 10 Black voters have “somewhat favorable” or “very favorable” views of Harris. Based on Pew Research Center’s analysis of exit polls, Biden won 92% of the Black vote in 2020, indicating that Harris currently lags behind this benchmark.
Despite significant disparities in opinions of candidates, Black voters are not entirely certain whether Harris will steer the country towards better development or bring substantial changes to their own lives.
The Trump campaign has intensified its outreach to the Black community this year. Trump’s campaign team believes that his policies on the economy, immigration, and traditional values could garner support from Black voters, particularly young Black males.
Some Black voters view Trump positively, considering him a candidate with important presidential qualities. Pew Research Center’s August survey shows that 13% of Black voters express support for Trump, slightly higher than 9% in May and June and 12% in July.
An NAACP survey from August revealed that over a quarter of young Black males stated they would support Trump in this year’s US election.
A CNN poll from late September indicates an increase to 16% in Black voters supporting Trump.
In a bid to secure Black voter support, Trump’s campaign team has been organizing lectures and community events in Black neighborhoods in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, and Milwaukee.
The campaign team also coordinated the “Black Voices for Trump” bus tour events held across various cities in September.
Meanwhile, Harris’s campaign team has hosted multiple events targeting Black voters, particularly Black males, and in recent weeks, they have dispatched high-profile endorsers including lawmakers, celebrities, and civil rights leaders to Black communities.