OPINION:
For over half a century, Black voters have been the Democratic Party’s most loyal supporters, a loyalty that Democratic leaders have taken for granted. This blind allegiance, however, has come at a significant cost to the Black community. The pressing question now is, when will enough be enough?
To be fair, Democrats have made numerous efforts to engage the Black community through initiatives such as Souls to the Polls, neighborhood cookouts and Juneteenth celebrations. Yet these outreach efforts often fade away once the election is over. While Democrats know how to court Black voters, their actions often amount to little more than overpromising and underdelivering.
With the presidential election just around the corner, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Democrats’ strategy to secure Black votes has run its course. Many Black voters, particularly Black men, are done giving the party another chance. Can anyone blame them? How long should any group tolerate a party that continually fails to deliver on its promises and resorts to impractical schemes? This pattern was evident through 2012 but faced a reality check with Donald Trump’s entry into politics for the 2016 election.
Regardless of your views on him, Mr. Trump represents wealth and success — qualities that resonate with many striving for the American dream. His campaign embraced his business acumen and sought to “make America great again.” Mr. Trump’s presence in the Black community, often unfamiliar with Republican candidates, posed a direct challenge to Democrats. His blunt question “What the hell do you have to lose?” sparked debate but also prompted many in the Black community to reassess their situation.
After the 2016 election, Black voters gave Mr. Trump a chance, and he worked to meet their expectations. Despite the global impact of COVID-19, Black Americans saw significant gains under the Trump administration: record-low unemployment, a decrease in food stamp usage, reduced income inequality, wage growth, increased Black homeownership, criminal justice reform, $11 billion in inner-city investments, deregulation, permanent funding for historically Black colleges and universities, low inflation and improved border security. Mr. Trump’s record was one of “Promises Made, Promises Kept” and even “Promises Not Made but Overdelivered.”
In 2020, Black voters did not retract their support for Mr. Trump; rather, their support grew. Fast-forward to today, and Democrats face a stark reality: Black voters are no longer buying what they’re selling. Under the Biden-Harris administration, Black Americans have suffered under poor policies — record-high inflation, an average loss of $10,000 per household, 10.3 million illegal immigrants released into the country, a 115% increase in mortgage payments, 30% higher grocery prices, diminished parental control over education and increased insecurity.
Given this dismal record, it’s no surprise that more Black Americans are shifting away from Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democrats, favoring a return to Mr. Trump’s policies. Despite public gaslighting from celebrities such as Taraji P. Henson, Oprah Winfrey and Kenan Thompson, Black voters are no longer willing to remain loyal to a party that has failed them.
With no concrete policies or a defined agenda from the Harris campaign, Black voters know what to expect from Mr. Trump. His message remains consistent: Mr. Trump promises to secure the border, deport millions of illegal immigrants, reduce inflation, restore American energy dominance, cut taxes (including those on tips and Social Security), bring back American jobs, prevent World War III, keep men out of women’s sports and unite the country around unprecedented success.
Mr. Trump’s approach doesn’t require altering his message or hiding his agenda. He stands by his record and asks Black Americans to trust him for a safer, more prosperous America for all.
• Harrison Fields is a former White House and congressional spokesman, a 2024 national Trump surrogate and a member of Black Americans for Trump.
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