Black Voters and Organizers Express Concerns and Hopes for Biden's Re-Election Campaign

Black Voters Expressing Concerns about Biden's Support

It was earlier this week when Reverend Greg Lewis, an assistant pastor at St. Gabriel's Church of God In Christ in Milwaukee, took one of his parishioners to the polls inside the city's Midtown early voting center. Supported by crutches and the pastor himself, the disabled man was just one of the many residents Lewis has assisted in voting this cycle. Through his nonprofit, Souls to the Polls, Lewis has been coordinating multi-church early voting campaign drives after services on Sundays, aiming to encourage more Black residents to vote.

"They are the difference makers," Lewis expressed. However, despite the efforts, President Biden's support among Black voters appears to have softened. A CBS News poll in late February showed a decrease in support, with 76% of likely Black voters backing his reelection bid, down from 87% who voted for him in 2020.

Disappointment and Communication Struggles

More than a dozen Black voters and organizers interviewed by CBS News in battleground states have expressed a sense of disappointment about the upcoming 2024 presidential election, with concerns that it may lead to voter apathy in November. They credit Mr. Biden's policies and legislative record, but have encountered difficulties in effectively communicating his successes to voters.

Desire for More Direct Engagement

While the president has completed a post-State of the Union tour of every battleground state, there are calls for him to appear in larger, more accessible venues and to meet more frequently with Black groups and organizations in Black communities. Concerns have also been raised about voter apathy, messaging, and representation, with calls for more Black women in campaign leadership.

Policy Initiatives Impact

In a focus group of voters organized by BlackPAC, initial sentiments toward Mr. Biden were largely negative. However, after learning about policy changes spearheaded by the Biden administration, such as student loan forgiveness and a cap on insulin prices, many shifted their perspective.

Biden Campaign's Outreach

Following his State of the Union speech, Mr. Biden's campaign intensified its battleground state travel, infrastructure, and outreach to key voting blocs. The campaign launched multiple ads targeting Black voters in the battleground states, with a focus on addressing policy changes and the impact of the previous administration's record.

Republicans See Opportunity

While Mr. Biden still captures the majority of Black voters in polling, Trump has slightly increased his support with the voting bloc. Republicans have looked to capitalize on this opening by casting a wide net of messaging, particularly focusing on policies such as transgender issues and immigration.

Election 2024

Black voters and organizers in battleground states express anxiety about Biden's enthusiasm and the impact it may have on the upcoming presidential election.