Trump and Harris Focus on Gender, Race in Final Election Push \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Kamala Harris is intensifying efforts to appeal to Black male voters, warning that Donald Trump will bring back harsh policing tactics if re-elected. In a recent radio town hall, she outlined plans to address systemic racial disparities and pledged to decriminalize marijuana. Meanwhile, Trump focuses on regaining support among women, particularly in the suburbs, as both candidates target key constituencies in the final days before the election.
Harris Warns Against Trump’s Policing Plans: Quick Looks
- Policing Concerns: Harris criticized Trump’s stance on returning to harsh policing methods, emphasizing the impact on Black men.
- Outreach Efforts: Harris engages Black voters with a focus on economic opportunity, while Trump seeks to regain suburban women.
- Economic Proposals: Harris outlines new initiatives for Black men, including business loans and apprenticeships.
- Election Strategies: Both candidates are trying to sway voters who may be on the fence as the election nears.
Deep Look
As the election nears, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are zeroing in on key constituencies, each trying to energize support among groups that may determine the outcome of the razor-tight race. Harris has focused on rallying Black men, urging them to vote and warning that Trump would revive harsh, discriminatory policing tactics if re-elected. Trump, meanwhile, has intensified efforts to win back women voters, particularly in the suburbs, where his support has waned.
Harris’ Warnings on Policing and Racial Disparities
During a radio town hall on “The Breakfast Club,” hosted by Charlamagne tha God, Harris highlighted concerns about Trump’s plans to “institutionalize” aggressive policing policies, such as stop-and-frisk, which disproportionately target Black and Hispanic men. She warned that a Trump presidency would mean a return to such controversial practices, which she argued violate constitutional rights and perpetuate racial bias in law enforcement.
“Ask Donald Trump what his plan for Black America is,” Harris challenged, pointing out that the former president’s crime-fighting methods have historically focused on punitive measures rather than addressing underlying issues. She further emphasized that her administration would work to decriminalize marijuana, a step she said would alleviate racial disparities in arrests and prosecutions.
Efforts to Mobilize Black Male Voters
In addition to addressing policing, Harris unveiled a new initiative dubbed the “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men.” The plan includes provisions for forgivable business loans of up to $20,000, new apprenticeships, and support for the study of diseases that disproportionately affect Black men, such as sickle cell anemia. By engaging directly with Black men, Harris hopes to counteract a growing concern within her campaign that this key demographic might not turn out at the same rates as in 2020, when she and Joe Biden secured significant support from Black voters.
Harris’ outreach included a visit to a Black-owned art gallery in Detroit, where she was joined by actors Don Cheadle, Delroy Lindo, and Cornelius Smith Jr. During the event, she discussed entrepreneurship and economic empowerment for Black men. Harris noted her longstanding friendship with Lindo, emphasizing the importance of community support in her campaign.
Obama and Other Democrats Rally Behind Harris’ Message
The effort to mobilize Black male voters was underscored by former President Barack Obama’s recent campaign stop in Pittsburgh, where he addressed the issue directly. Speaking candidly, Obama acknowledged that some Black men might be hesitant to vote for a woman, but he urged them to look beyond gender and focus on the broader implications of a Trump presidency.
“The issue is folks have got to understand that if you do not vote, it’s a vote for Donald Trump,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock during a separate event in Atlanta, emphasizing the potential dangers of a Trump administration for Black Americans. Warnock, the first Black senator from Georgia, specifically warned that Trump’s policing strategies would be “literally dangerous” for Black men.
Trump’s Efforts to Regain Support Among Women
While Harris focused on Black men, Trump turned his attention to women, particularly suburban voters who have shown signs of drifting away from the Republican camp. He participated in a Fox News town hall with an all-female audience, hosted by Harris Faulkner, where he reinforced his image as a protector of traditional family values. During a recent rally, Trump suggested that American women “will no longer be abandoned, lonely, or scared” under his leadership, promising safety and security.
“You will be protected, and I will be your protector,” Trump said, attempting to appeal to women concerned about rising crime and economic uncertainty. He has also sought to downplay abortion as an election issue, suggesting that with his appointments of three conservative Supreme Court justices, the matter has been resolved.
The Battle for Key Swing Voters
Both campaigns are trying to shore up their bases while reaching beyond them to cut into each other’s margins. Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, recently unveiled a plan to improve rural livelihoods, emphasizing the Democratic ticket’s commitment to diverse communities. By focusing on economic incentives, infrastructure, and healthcare, the Democrats hope to make inroads in rural areas where Trump is popular.
Trump, for his part, continues to campaign on themes of economic nationalism. In a recent appearance before the Economic Club of Chicago, he reiterated his belief that high tariffs are an economic cure-all, despite warnings from economists that such policies could hurt American consumers. His remarks played to his base’s desire for tough, decisive leadership, particularly in economic matters.
Addressing Potential Challenges in Michigan
Harris faces other challenges in Michigan, particularly with Arab American voters in Dearborn, the largest Arab-majority city in the U.S. Many are angered by the Biden administration’s strong support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, which has led to concerns about potential voter alienation in a key swing state.
Despite these concerns, the Harris campaign expects strong support from white, college-educated voters in Michigan, a demographic that was crucial to Biden’s victory in 2020. Harris aims to expand her margins in key suburban areas where Trump has lost ground, especially among women. A September AP-NORC poll found that more than half of female registered voters viewed Harris favorably, compared to just a third who felt the same about Trump.
Gender and Race Dynamics Drive Election Messaging
The contrasting strategies of Harris and Trump underscore a broader battle over gender and race in the 2024 election. Harris has built her campaign around inclusivity and equity, focusing on economic opportunities for underrepresented groups. Trump, on the other hand, is doubling down on traditional masculine roles, portraying himself as a protector and guardian of American values.
In the final weeks, these dynamics will continue to play out as both candidates seek to energize voters and win over key demographics. Harris has ramped up her outreach to Hispanic men through initiatives like “Hombres con Harris,” while Trump is striving to appeal to suburban women with promises of safety and economic stability.
Ultimately, the outcome could hinge on whether each campaign can successfully reach and mobilize these targeted voter groups, reflecting a broader shift in how gender and identity politics influence American elections.
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