Harris Gains Support While Biden Leads with Black Voters
- Recent analysis shows Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining traction with various voting blocs compared to President Biden.
- Despite Harris's rise, Biden still leads significantly within the Black voter demographic.
- This dynamic could impact the electoral strategies of both candidates as the presidential campaign unfolds.
Recent polling analysis reveals a shift in support for Vice President Kamala Harris following President Biden's decision to end his re-election bid. While Harris's campaign appears to be gaining traction, particularly among Black voters, a closer look at the data indicates a slight decline in Biden's support within this demographic. According to a New York Times/Siena poll, Biden had a 43-point lead over former President Trump among Black voters in early July, with 56% support compared to Trump's 13%. However, when Harris's name replaced Biden's in the later poll, her support increased to 65%, resulting in a 48-point spread. Despite this overall increase, the analysis highlights a notable exception: Harris's support among Black voters is five points lower than Biden's in the earlier poll. This discrepancy was emphasized by Harvard Institute of Politics polling director John Della Volpe. During a recent speech in Philadelphia, Harris criticized Trump for "stoking hate" and "inciting fear," while Trump has sought to connect with the Black community by promoting his record on initiatives like "opportunity zones." Trump's campaign has included efforts to engage with Black voters, such as a planned trip to Chicago and a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His previous remarks to Black voters in 2016, questioning what they had to lose by voting for him, drew significant criticism. Biden's own controversial comments in 2020 regarding Black voters have also resurfaced in discussions about voter loyalty and identity within the community.