Thanksgiving With ‘The Run-Up’: Are Black Voters Leaving Democrats Behind? | The Daily

Intro

In this special Thanksgiving episode of “The Daily,” host Astead Herndon explores the changing relationship between Black voters and the Democratic Party. The episode features a focus group with Black voters, traditional Thanksgiving moments, and personal reflections on politics, family, and gratitude.

Main Takeaways

Black Voters’ Shift Towards Republicans

• In a recent poll, 22% of Black voters said they would support Donald Trump over Joe Biden in a hypothetical rematch in 2024, compared to 8% in 2020.
• Black turnout was one of the Democrats’ weakest points in the 2022 midterms, and younger Black people and Black men feel less tied to the Democratic Party.

The Historical Relationship Between Black Voters and Democrats

• Black voters have historically supported Democrats due to the party’s inclusivity and support for social causes.
• Participants in the focus group express that they feel the Republican Party prioritizes the wealthy and self-interest, while the Democratic Party is more inclusive and supportive of the Black community.
• Memories of unity and support during challenging times, such as Obama’s election in 2008, have contributed to the strong historical bond between Black voters and Democrats.

Challenges and Disillusionment with Politics

• The lack of visible change in key issues like the economy and crime leads to frustration and disillusionment with politics.
• The generational gap in understanding the struggles of the past and the feeling of powerlessness in affecting change contribute to the struggle and disengagement with politics.
• Democrats need to do a better job of vocalizing their accomplishments and showing results to regain the trust and support of Black voters.

The Appeal of Republicans to Black Men

• Black men feel neglected by the Democratic Party, as their needs and desires are often overlooked.
• Some Black men are drawn to the Republican Party’s emphasis on self-reliance, economic empowerment, and the appeal of becoming business owners.
• The Democratic Party’s focus on gender and sexuality issues has shifted its relationship with Black men, who feel that LGBTQ movements receive more attention and equity than they do.

Complexities of Political Affiliations

• The conversation highlights the complexity of the relationship between Black voters and political parties, with various factors influencing voting decisions.
• Personal connections, mentorship, religious beliefs, and the issue of abortion play significant roles in shaping political affiliations.
• Black voters are considering tangible benefits when choosing political parties, such as tax cuts and financial gains.

Summary

The Shifting Dynamics of Black Voters and the Democratic Party

The episode delves into the changing relationship between Black voters and the Democratic Party. A poll reveals that a significant percentage of Black voters would support Donald Trump in a hypothetical rematch in 2024, indicating a shift towards Republicans. Black turnout in the 2022 midterms was low, particularly among younger Black people and Black men, suggesting a decreasing attachment to the Democratic Party. The historical bond between Black voters and Democrats is explored, with participants in the focus group highlighting the party’s inclusivity and support for social causes. Memories of unity during Obama’s election in 2008 and the Civil Rights movement contribute to the strong historical connection. However, challenges and disillusionment with politics, including the lack of visible change in key issues, have led to frustration and disengagement. The episode emphasizes the need for Democrats to better communicate their accomplishments and show results to regain the trust and support of Black voters.

The Appeal of Republicans to Black Men

The episode examines the factors that attract some Black men to the Republican Party. Black men feel neglected by the Democratic Party, with their needs and desires often overlooked. The emphasis on self-reliance, economic empowerment, and the opportunity to become business owners appeals to some Black men. The Democratic Party’s focus on gender and sexuality issues has shifted its relationship with Black men, who feel that LGBTQ movements receive more attention and equity than they do. The complexities of political affiliations are highlighted, with personal connections, mentorship, religious beliefs, and the issue of abortion influencing voting decisions. Black voters are increasingly considering tangible benefits, such as tax cuts and financial gains, when choosing political parties.

Challenges and Disillusionment with Politics

The episode explores the challenges and disillusionment that contribute to the changing dynamics between Black voters and political parties. Frustration arises from the lack of visible change in key issues like the economy and crime. The generational gap in understanding the struggles of the past and the feeling of powerlessness in affecting change also contribute to disengagement with politics. Democrats need to do a better job of vocalizing their accomplishments and showing results to regain the trust and support of Black voters.

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving episode of “The Daily” provides a personal and insightful exploration of the changing relationship between Black voters and the Democratic Party. It highlights the shifting dynamics, challenges, and disillusionment faced by Black voters, particularly younger Black people and Black men. The episode emphasizes the need for Democrats to better communicate their accomplishments and address the concerns and needs of Black voters. It also sheds light on the appeal of Republicans to some Black men, who are drawn to the party’s emphasis on self-reliance, economic empowerment, and the opportunity for financial success. Overall, the episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between politics, family, and gratitude during Thanksgiving.