President Biden recently made appearances in Atlanta and Detroit, targeting Black voters in an effort to revitalize support in this crucial voting bloc. He began his address at the NAACP’s “Fight for Freedom Fund” dinner in Detroit by declaring himself a “lifetime member” of the organization. Earlier in the day, he spoke at Morehouse College in Atlanta, highlighting the story of Reverend Richard C. Coulter, a former slave who helped create the institution. Biden’s campaign has invested over $1 million in targeted ad buys on Black-owned media and prioritized interviews on Black radio to attract support from Black voters.
During his events in Detroit, Biden emphasized his record for Black voters, including investments in historically Black colleges and universities, efforts to lower Black unemployment, and actions on student debt and prescription drug prices. He contrasted his policies with those of Donald Trump, suggesting that the former president would not have made similar strides for the Black community. Biden thanked Black voters for their support in the 2020 election and suggested that they would play a pivotal role in ensuring Trump’s defeat in the upcoming election.
At Morehouse College, Biden discussed themes of struggle, faith, and democracy in his commencement address. He questioned whether American democracy truly works for Black citizens and reflected on the broken promises that have left Black communities behind. The president also addressed the situation in Gaza, calling for a two-state solution and an immediate ceasefire. This stance garnered applause from the audience, despite some students displaying signs of protest during his speech.
The Israeli military operation in Gaza has sparked protests and demonstrations, with some students at Morehouse College turning their chairs away from Biden or wearing Palestinian symbols in protest. Outside the college campus, there were demonstrations against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Some voters, like Yolanda Hutchins in Atlanta, expressed concern over Biden’s response to the crisis, while others, like Bill Osborne in Detroit, noted that the issue may not be a make-or-break factor for Black voters. Overall, the situation in Gaza has garnered attention and sparked discussions among voters in these communities.
As Biden continues to engage with Black voters and address key issues affecting the community, such as economic empowerment and social justice, his interactions in Atlanta and Detroit serve as a reminder of the importance of Black voters in shaping the outcome of the upcoming election. His efforts to connect with this demographic and address their concerns demonstrate a commitment to building support and trust within this crucial voting bloc.
