Black voters poll 2024/ Kamala Harris favorability/ Trump Black voters view/ top issues Black voters/ 2024 election Black voters/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A recent AP-NORC poll shows that Black voters strongly favor Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump, though many question whether she can bring meaningful change. Black voters, who remain largely Democratic, cited concerns over healthcare, crime, and the economy, with Harris leading Trump across these issues.
Black Voter Sentiment: Quick Looks
- Harris Favored: 70% of Black voters view Harris favorably, though many are uncertain about her impact.
- Trump’s Ratings: Overwhelmingly negative views of Trump persist, with only 15% viewing him favorably.
- Top Issues: Black voters prioritize the economy, healthcare, and crime, with Harris leading on these fronts.
- Campaign Outreach: Both Harris and Trump campaigns have targeted Black communities through events and tours.
AP Poll: Black Voters Back Harris Over Trump, But Want Change
Deep Look:
A recent poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris maintains a strong favorability rating among Black registered voters, yet many remain uncertain if her leadership would drive significant national change. The poll, conducted in mid-September, indicates that approximately 70% of Black voters have a favorable view of Harris. Notably, this positive view is consistent across age and gender groups within the Black community. However, when asked if Harris would improve the nation, only about half believed she would make a substantial difference, highlighting an element of hesitancy toward her potential impact.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump faces an uphill battle within the Black community, with views of him overwhelmingly unfavorable. The poll found that roughly 80% of Black voters hold a negative view of Trump, a reflection of the deep-seated disapproval that could complicate his bid to chip away at Democratic support among Black voters, particularly Black men. As only 10% of Black voters feel Trump represents qualities needed for the presidency, this negative sentiment poses significant challenges for the former president’s campaign efforts in Black communities.
Despite the popularity gap, the poll reveals that Black voters are not entirely certain that Harris can drive the changes they desire. Only half of respondents said the phrase “would change the country for the better” describes Harris “very” or “extremely” well. The importance of this presidential election is not widely felt, with only around half of Black voters believing it will have a “great deal” of personal impact, a sentiment aligned with the general American electorate.
For many Black voters, specific issues such as healthcare, the economy, and crime remain top concerns. Roughly 80% of Black voters cited the economy as a primary factor in their voting considerations, with Harris leading Trump by about 40 points on this topic. In healthcare, another critical issue, Harris holds an advantage as well, reflecting the Democratic vice president’s perceived alignment with voters’ concerns about access to medical services. Black voters also express heightened interest in gun policy, crime, and climate change compared to other voting groups, with Harris again outpacing Trump on these matters.
Campaign outreach targeting Black voters has ramped up, with both Harris and Trump camps deploying initiatives to engage this critical voting bloc. Trump’s campaign has initiated outreach efforts, including a “Black Voices for Trump” bus tour through cities with significant Black populations, including Philadelphia, Detroit, and Milwaukee. His team is highlighting topics like the economy and traditional values in efforts to gain traction among younger Black men in particular. On the other hand, Harris has attended multiple events tailored toward Black voters, often alongside high-profile Black leaders from civil rights groups, political figures, and celebrities.
The poll also highlights gender and age differences within Black voters’ views. Black women voters and older voters are particularly likely to see Harris as someone who “fights for people like you.” Younger voters, however, show a degree of reservation in viewing Harris as a changemaker, an attitude that reflects broader generational differences in voter expectations and trust in established political figures.
In the wake of President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw his candidacy in July, Black voter sentiment toward the Democratic Party has shifted somewhat. Only 55% of Black men hold a favorable view of Biden compared to 70% of Black women. This gap signals an evolving dynamic within the Democratic base, especially as Harris takes on a more central role in the party’s campaign strategy.
While Harris’ entrance into the race has energized some Black voters, uncertainty lingers about her ability to enact substantive changes on issues most pressing to Black communities. Meanwhile, organizations focused on Black voter engagement are capitalizing on this renewed interest, coordinating with local groups to raise awareness and strengthen turnout, which both campaigns are counting on to make a significant impact in 2024.
The polling underscores the challenges for both candidates in securing strong Black voter support. Harris continues to carry favor among this demographic but must address doubts about her capacity to bring real change, while Trump faces overwhelming disapproval that may hinder his outreach efforts, even among traditionally independent Black voters. As the campaigns intensify, the influence of Black voters will be pivotal, with Harris and Trump vying to resonate with an electorate concerned with tangible issues and skeptical of political rhetoric.
