CNN Commentator Says Harris Faces Steep Challenges with Black Voters
Vice President Kamala Harris is encountering a notable decline in support among Black men and women compared to her Democratic predecessors, according to CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten.
Enten's diagnosis, taken from recent polling data, reveals a significant decrease in Harris's popularity among these key racial demographics, traditionally a crucial base for the Democratic Party, as Breitbart reports.
The CNN commentator's analysis indicates that Harris is polling "very, very weak" with Black men and women. For a deeper understanding, he compared current polling data with historical results from past presidential elections. His examination sheds light on a worrying trend for the Democratic Party.
Among Black men under 45, former President Barack Obama achieved an 81-point victory in 2012. Hillary Clinton, who followed, secured a 63-point margin with this group.
Joe Biden won tthe group by 53 points in the latest election. In comparison, Harris is currently polling with about a 41-point margin, showing a steep decline from her predecessors.
Sharply Falling Margins Among Black Men
The drop is also apparent among Black men overall. Obama's victory over this demographic stood at 85 points. During Clinton's presidential bid, the margin was 71 points, slightly dipping to 69 points under Biden.
Currently, Harris is polling at a 54-point margin, still robust but significantly lower than the past Democratic candidates' results.
Discussing this pattern, Enten highlighted, "You take a look at the average of the most recent polls, and Kamala Harris is up by only 41 points. That is about half the margin that Obama won them by back in November of 2012."
When Enten looked at the margin for Black men as a whole, he commented on the continued downward trend. "Barack Obama won ’em by 85. Then you see 71 with Clinton, 69 Biden, basically the same thing, holding steady. But here again, very, very weak, only a 54-point margin."
Black Women's Support Remains Critical
The data also indicates that Harris fares slightly better with Black women, though there are concerns here too. Both Obama and Clinton held a 93-point margin among Black women. However, Biden's numbers decreased to 85 points.
For Harris, the margin has dropped further to 71 points, representing the lowest Democratic performance among Black females in decades, if current trends persist.
Enten remarked on this situation, stating, "But she’s actually doing the worst for a Democratic candidate among Black women since 1960, if this holds, John."
The data expert's analysis shows that while the margins are considerable, these are still vital areas of concern for the Democratic Party.
Traditionally seen as integral to the party's electoral coalition, the declining support signals potential challenges in future election cycles.
Implications for the Democratic Party
The decline in support indicated by the polls suggests challenges for Harris and the Democratic Party's strategies to maintain these critical voter bases. This could impact not only Harris's political future but also the party's standing in upcoming elections.
Addressing these issues may require a reevaluation of the party's engagement strategies with Black communities. This changing dynamic underscores the need for Democratic leaders to understand and address the evolving concerns within these key demographics.
Ultimately, the Democratic Party's ability to regain the trust and support of Black men and women could play a decisive role in upcoming elections.
The historical context provided by Enten's analysis makes it clear: the party faces significant challenges that it must confront head-on.