Are Black Male Voters Still Riding the ‘Trump Train’ or Are They Following Kamala?

A bunch of Black male voters discussed why some members of the Black community proceed to support former President Donald Trump at the same time as Vice President Kamala Harris considers a run for the White House.

MSNBC legal analyst and civil rights attorney Charles Coleman Jr. hosted a panel discussion titled “Black Men in America: The Road to 2024” with 4 black male voters. Because the men were of various ages, the goal was to think about whether Harris’ nomination affected their votes against Trump. “How many of you know a black man who has told you he’s determined to vote for Donald Trump?” Coleman asked.

When all the men raised their hands, he asked one other query: “Did Kamala Harris coming in change that?”

All the panelists shook their heads and said, “No.”

The conversation took a deep dive into why some black men are still on the “Trump train.” Teacher Corey Alexander said that for those he knows, it’s about wanting something different. “Most of the men I know who are on the Trump train just want something different from the status quo. And they feel like Trump can provide that,” he said.

According to Fox News, one other panelist mentioned the stimulus checks as a reason for support, with one saying: concerned about “interest rates” which they imagine the accused businessman will lower 4 times“There’s this attitude in this group: ‘I just need this guy,’” the panelist told Coleman.

In April 2024, polls showed that many black voters were avoiding supporting President Joe Biden, who withdrew from running for reelection in mid-July 2024, resulting from rising living costs and difficulty making ends meet. But they were also unconvinced of Trump.

Now, Harris’ campaign is gaining significant momentum amongst black voters. Seventy-eight percent of black voters said they support Harris, while 15% said they support Trump, down from previous polls wherein he had 23% support amongst black voters. “With Kamala now being the nominee, it still hasn’t changed my vote, where I was going,” Alexander said. “I’m definitely excited.”

One panelist noted concerns that if Trump returns to power, the 2024 election could possibly be the last time black people can have the right to vote, and that many are threatening to not vote in any respect.

“I don’t know if we’ll still have a vote if someone else takes office in a few years. So I’ve talked to a lot of brothers who have said, ‘I’m not voting,’” said Ervin Roberson Sr., an interior designer.

“You have to vote. Not voting is not an option.”

As a takeaway from the enlightening conversation, Coleman said he feels black voters are “not a monolith.” “It was a cross-generational conversation that I was able to have, really inviting a lot of different perspectives on what the enthusiasm has been since Kamala Harris entered the race for president, and also for some people, how that hasn’t changed,” he said.

He also noted that some black voters feel pressured to support Harris, no matter what they consider her policies, which address the issues most vital to them. A survey by the Black Futures Lab found that economic problems, inexpensive housing, wage growth and health care are issues that concern voters.
Reducing violence in black neighborhoods can be a key issue. Survey participants are counting on leaders to stop the senseless killing of unarmed black people and the use of excessive force. Additionally, voters are demanding attention on find out how to stop white supremacist violence, crimes against all women, and gun violence.