Sheree Robinson, a Black mother of two from Racine, Wisconsin, was thrilled to be invited to ride in President Joe Biden’s motorcade during his visit to the state. She attributed her ability to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma to the education funding in Mr. Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Robinson expressed her support for the president and his campaign, emphasizing the importance of his policies and outreach efforts to the Black community. She believed in Mr. Biden’s chances of winning the upcoming election and vowed to encourage others to vote for him as well.
The Biden campaign has been actively engaging with Black communities in Wisconsin, with a particular focus on outreach and organizing efforts. This includes a significant investment in ad buys targeting Black, Hispanic, and AAPI media, as well as establishing multiple offices across the battleground state. However, national polling has indicated a slight decline in enthusiasm among Black voters, raising concerns about voter turnout and support for Mr. Biden in the upcoming election. The campaign is working to deepen its organizing presence and engage with core constituencies crucial to securing victory in November.
During his visit to Racine County, President Biden met with a group of Black Wisconsin voters and volunteers at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center. The event focused on training participants on using a voter outreach app and was part of a series of engagements planned by the campaign in May. Biden emphasized the importance of Black voters and expressed confidence in their support, citing his strong track record of earning their loyalty in elections. The visit provided an opportunity for individuals like Andrea Dyess and Janet Mitchell to share their personal stories and concerns with the president, highlighting issues such as healthcare costs and democracy that influenced their voting decisions.
Some members of the Black community in Wisconsin have expressed varying levels of support and skepticism towards President Biden and his administration. While many, like Janet Mitchell, remain confident in his ability to secure victory in November, others, such as members of the nonprofit Black Leaders Organizing Communities (BLOC), have raised concerns about Biden’s performance on issues like the economy, education, and police reform. The group is advocating for greater action and responsiveness from the president, emphasizing the importance of voter education and engagement to empower marginalized communities and hold elected officials accountable.
As the election approaches, the Biden campaign faces the challenge of balancing outreach efforts and addressing the diverse needs and perspectives within the Black community in Wisconsin. While there is a sense of cautious optimism among some voters, others are calling for more tangible support and action from the administration. The race in the state remains tight, with both Biden and Trump vying for support from key constituencies like Black voters. Moving forward, the campaign will need to continue engaging with voters, addressing their concerns, and building trust to secure their support and ensure victory in the upcoming election.
