With November’s US elections looming just around the corner, Democrats find themselves in a frantic race to win back lost constituents.
Republicans seem to have successfully broadened their base, enticing new voters while gradually diminishing the traditional Democratic stronghold.
Recent polls reveal that Donald Trump has gained significant traction within the GOP, especially among Latino and Black communities.
Although these groups are not monolithic, they have historically leaned Democratic. For example, approximately 70% of Latino voters cast their ballots for President Barack Obama during his time in office.
However, Trump has chipped away at that support over time, advocating a narrative that Democrats haven’t fulfilled their promises to these communities after decades of loyalty.
A New York Times/Siena poll highlighted a troubling trend: Kamala Harris received just 78% backing from Black voters, a stark drop from the nearly 90% support Democrats enjoyed in past elections.
Moreover, research released in September indicated that over a quarter of younger Black men now express willingness to back Trump.
The same survey revealed that Harris is lagging behind the last three Democratic presidential candidates among Latino voters. In 2016, 68% of this demographic supported the Democratic nominee, while her current support stands at only 56%.
Kamala Harris has openly acknowledged her need to enhance efforts to attract Black male voters.
Despite still holding the majority support within Democratic ranks this election season, if Trump sways even a tiny fraction of voters, it could substantially impact his fortunes in key battleground states—especially with both candidates neck-and-neck in the race for the presidency.
Kevin Madden, former senior advisor to Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns, observed that Trump’s pragmatic politics have clouded the demographics traditionally loyal to one party.
“What has your loyalty to one party brought you?” he stated during an appearance on RTÉ’s States of Mind podcast.
“Trump is attempting to engage voters in a non-linear fashion, avoiding the strictly ideological perspectives of both sides. Instead, he adopts a more transactional approach, suggesting, ‘You’ve been exploited by the elites and power structures… who better to cut a deal than me, Donald Trump?'”he elaborated.
Kamala Harris faces a unique dilemma, compounded by global events, notably the situation in Gaza.
“He’s making a direct appeal on a fundamental level, which has opened doors with Hispanic voters, younger demographics, and African-American audiences,” Madden pointed out.
This strategy clearly hasn’t escaped the attention of Democrats. Harris has consistently acknowledged her need to bolster her outreach to Black men.
This week, she introduced an “opportunity agenda for Black men,” aiming to provide them with greater avenues for success.
Barack Obama recently hit the campaign trail, passionately urging Black men to make their voices heard at the polls—a move that some interpreted as backfiring, with one columnist dubbing him ‘Scolder in Chief.’
Some Republicans assert this is indicative of a broader trend, claiming the party is now “fighting” for the interests of “forgotten” working-class Americans.
“From Iraq to Afghanistan, from economic downturns to stagnating wages, those in power have repeatedly failed this nation,” JD Vance articulated during his address at the Republican National Convention in July.
“Donald Trump symbolizes America’s last, best hope of reclaiming what, if lost, might never be regained,” he continued, emphasizing the urgency of their cause.
Caitlin Sinclair, a spokesperson for the conservative political advocacy group Turning Point Action, echoed these sentiments.
“This election centers on the ‘forgotten’ Americans—those who feel voiceless,” she proclaimed.
“They believe their elected leaders disregard their needs. They yearn for the American dream once more. They want money flowing into their pockets and the ability to fill up their gas tanks,” Sinclair asserted.
“And let’s not overlook the youth—college students today are fed up. They are determined to reclaim this country,” she concluded emphatically.
For more insights, tune into the latest episode of RTÉ’s States of Mind, or download it from your preferred podcast platform.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
