In-depth conversations with Black voters across the country reveal mixed feelings about President Biden and former President Trump, with Trump gaining ground in the polls.
As the 2024 presidential race approaches, Black voters are voicing their opinions on President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, with the latest Fox News survey indicating a narrowing race between the two.
While Biden maintains significant support among Black voters, with a 72% approval rating, it lags behind his 79% support in 2020. Meanwhile, Trump is poised to make inroads into this historically Democratic voting bloc.
In Detroit, a swing state that will play a pivotal role in the election, opinions on Biden are divided. Evans, a resident, praises Biden's efforts to improve the urban community and create jobs. However, another Detroit resident believes Biden's age and the political system's limitations hinder his effectiveness.
"I really think Biden is doing the best he can… I don’t think Biden can really do… really too much because of his age and how the system is controlled and how the government is controlled," the resident said.
On the other hand, some Detroit residents express support for Trump, citing his assistance to Black businesses and the Black community. One woman criticizes Biden for sending weapons to Israel while domestic needs remain unmet.
"He wants to make it seem as if he's for the Blacks and he's not really because he hasn't really helped anybody, and I don't really like that he's sending weapons to Israel when there's people that still need help."
In Chicago, Black voters highlight the economic challenges they face under Biden. "He made everything harder," says one resident. "Made everything from finding jobs to finding places to stay. He made everything really harder if you ask me."
Another Chicago voter laments the lack of progress on Black issues. "The Black community does not really like Biden."
Despite these criticisms, some Black voters in Chicago recognize Trump's appeal. "President Trump — even though he may not be a good guy, like on the political side of things, he made sure Black people was good," one voter says.
In Washington, D.C., voters express a range of opinions on Biden. One voter admits to supporting Trump's return, while another remains neutral. "I don't know a lot about Joe Biden honestly. I kind of feel like he's just here," she says. "Honestly, I like Trump."
A New York resident believes Biden should step down. "He can try again another time. It doesn’t make sense not to give someone else a try."
The New York Times poll reveals Trump's lead over Biden in key battleground states like Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Biden only holds an advantage in Wisconsin.
As the election draws closer, the views of Black voters will be critical in shaping the outcome. The growing support for Trump among this constituency poses a significant challenge to Biden's re-election bid.
