Darryl Gatewood, who had been unemployed for two years, secured a position earlier this year as a driver for a pharmaceutical delivery truck in suburban Pennsylvania. This employment offers a competitive salary and includes healthcare benefits.
It indicated a developing economy. However, his financial difficulties and his wife’s health problems continue to affect him. He stated that the economy is his primary issue in this election year. Being both a Black individual and a registered Democrat in a swing state, he has not yet decided who to vote for as president.
He is one of the individuals who have not yet made a decision on whether to endorse Democrat Kamala Harris, Republican Donald Trump, or a candidate from a third political party for the presidency.
“Gatewood, 59, questioned whether Trump’s policies would benefit all individuals, not just the wealthy,” he remarked. What actions does she plan to take that will benefit the entire nation?
The latest USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll reveals a significant increase in support for Harris’ presidential campaign among Black voters in the crucial swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania. However, in order to address the concerns of young, low-income, and undecided Black voters, the presumptive Democratic nominee must take further action to alleviate worries about escalating grocery expenses and housing prices.
The recent survey, which included 500 Black voters in each state, indicates that in Michigan, Vice President Harris is preferred over former President Trump by a margin of 7 to 1. A similar trend is observed in Pennsylvania, where the margin of preference for Harris is nearly as significant.
However, the poll also indicated notable apprehensions among those that have been most severely impacted by prolonged inflation. If voters, such as Gatewood, choose to support a candidate from a third political party, it has the potential to negatively impact Harris’ chances of winning the election, as the competition is still intense on a national level.
Harris and her running companion, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are approaching the Democratic National Convention next week. It is crucial for their campaign to craft a persuasive message that will attract undecided and third-party voters to support them.
“David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, stated that with 80 days remaining until the election, Harris needs to make progress in attracting young, low-income, and independent voters in order to secure a victory.”
Increase in enthusiasm observed
However, the poll indicates that support for the Harris bid is increasing. Harris assumed the position of the Democratic party’s lead candidate in July, taking over from Joe Biden, who withdrew from his campaign for re-election due to external pressure.
“It’s akin to observing a team that was trailing by 24 points in the initial quarter and has now managed to level the score,” Paleologos remarked. “We are currently in the final phase of the game and it is crucial to avoid making mistakes such as losing possession of the ball or making a pass that is intercepted by the opposing team.”
AFP Via Getty Images (source from usatoday)
Harris has been doing a campaign tour throughout the nation, including Pennsylvania, where she unveiled Walz as her chosen companion in the race during a rally held in Philadelphia. She intends to revisit that place throughout the upcoming weekend.
The Suffolk poll revealed an increase in Harris’ favorability ratings in Michigan and Pennsylvania, in comparison to when Biden was the main focus.
In Michigan, Harris’ favorability rating experienced a significant increase to 72%, while her unfavorability rating stood at 16%. This is in contrast to her favorable-unfavorable rating of 60% to 24% in June, when Biden was still a candidate. In Pennsylvania, the percentage increased from 55% to 30% in June to 68% to 19% in August.
African American voters in these two pivotal swing states, who were indifferent about the presidential campaign in June, express a high probability of voting for Harris in the next autumn election. The survey revealed that 77% of the respondents were highly motivated to vote for Harris, but in the previous poll, only 52% expressed the same level of motivation for Biden. In Pennsylvania, the percentage of those who expressed a strong motivation to vote for Harris was 78%, but in June, just 61% reported being similarly inclined to vote for Biden.
“Today, there is a remarkable level of motivation,” stated Paleologos. “The question is whether the margin is sufficiently large.” The current margin is insufficient.
Harris does not have the same 13 to 1 ratio that Biden received in 2020, which is likely necessary for her to win in these states. “According to the exit polls, if you are at 70%, you would need to win 92%,” he stated. “There is still a considerable distance to cover.”
Harris requires the support of independent voters who have not yet made up their minds.
Paleologos stated that while Harris is experiencing a significant increase in popularity, it could be problematic if she fails to secure the support of third-party voters.
Nikia Mumin-Washington, aged 44, is probably included in their number. As a former crossing guard for the Philadelphia Police Department, she expressed her inclination to vote for academic Cornel West. She is knowledgeable and has a deep admiration for his work, particularly his plea for harmony.
“Not that the other ones do not pertain to that,” Mumin-Washington stated. “I chose him solely because he was the person I was familiar with.”
As a registered Democrat, she intends to closely observe the unfolding of the race and cast her vote depending on her personal sentiments.
“I prefer exercising my voting choice based on my own preferences rather than conforming to the popular opinion,” she expressed. “I am not inclined to purchase something solely based on its popularity or trendiness.”
Paleologos noted that although Harris is witnessing a substantial surge in popularity, it could pose a challenge if she is not manage to garner the backing of third-party voters.
Nikia Mumin-Washington, who is 44 years old, is likely part of the group. Having previously worked as a crossing guard for the Philadelphia Police Department, she stated her preference to vote for the esteemed professor Cornel West. She possesses extensive knowledge and holds a profound admiration for his work, including his impassioned call for harmony.
“Not that the other ones are irrelevant,” Mumin-Washington remarked. “I selected him exclusively based on my familiarity with him.”
Being a registered Democrat, she plans to closely monitor the progress of the race and make her voting decision based on her personal emotions.
“I choose to exercise my voting rights based on my personal preferences rather than conforming to the majority opinion,” she stated. “I am disinclined to make a purchase solely on the basis of its popularity or trendiness.”
Dearborn to meet with Arab-Americans and speaks at a
pro-Palestinian interfaith event called “Gaza Endures” at
Greenfield Manor in Dearborn, Mich. on Tuesday, Dec.
19, 2023. Kimberly P Mitchell, (source from usatoday)
Pearson is already reassessing his choices following Harris’ replacement of Biden.
Pearson, a construction worker and active National Guard member who completed a tour in Syria last year, stated that he does not have a preference for any one person. “I am focused on determining who will be responsible for the welfare of the community.”
In addition to the increasing prices of food, Pearson stated that the task of obtaining cheap accommodation remains difficult. According to him, employment opportunities, particularly in Michigan’s esteemed automotive sector, are currently limited.
Pearson stated his familiarity with Trump’s character, but expressed the need for further information on Harris before forming an opinion on her.
Pearson expressed the need for her to establish a connection with her agenda, display more human qualities, and demonstrate greater authenticity. “Authentically express your true self, as ultimately, others are not concerned with your identity but rather with your character.”
According to John Cluverius, a political science professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Harris has a greater chance to establish her identity among these “mixed-bag voters” compared to Trump, as she is less familiar to them.
“Harris has the opportunity to establish a stronger sense of connection with these voters’ sentiments,” Cluverius remarked. “Her stance on not reverting is likely to have the widest appeal and resonates with voters who are dissatisfied with inflation, abortion rights, and healthcare.”
If the situation becomes critical and her vote may have a significant impact, Mumin-Washington stated that she might reassess her position on Harris. She does not consider Trump as a viable choice. “You may consider aligning yourself with the side that embodies moral righteousness,” she advised.
The challenging economic conditions are a primary concern for certain Black voters.
Black voters in Michigan and Pennsylvania were particularly concerned about the economy and escalating expenses.
The poll revealed that this was particularly accurate for individuals earning an annual income of less than $50,000.
In Pennsylvania in June, over 34% of individuals with the lowest incomes reported a deterioration in their personal financial circumstances over the past four years, while a similar percentage indicated an improvement. In August, 42% of the mentioned group reported a decline in their situation, while only 22% reported an improvement.
“The economic recovery in the country is not benefiting low-income households in the Black community,” Paleologos stated. “In reality, the situation has deteriorated over the past two months, and this is a challenge that Kamala Harris and the Democrats need to address.” They must confront and deal with the issue in relation to policy.
Nevertheless, he stated that there is significant backing for Harris among Black voters in general.
“This indicates that even though the economic and financial conditions are unfavorable, people will still vote, regardless of their current personal circumstances,” he stated. Perhaps they hold the belief that in the near future, during a Harris government, there will be improvements.
Other polling agencies had comparable results.
“I am inclined to support the Democratic nominee, although I have reservations about it.” “I want to ensure that I remain committed to it,” she stated.
“Clearly, I have no intention of casting my vote in favor of Trump.” The development of characters holds significant value for me as well.
Faller expressed her limited knowledge regarding the independent candidates but has not dismissed them as potential options.
However, like to most Black voters, she is enthusiastic about witnessing a Black individual occupying the highest position on the ballot.
“I feel a strong inclination to vote for Harris because she is a Black, biracial, and female candidate,” Faller expressed, acknowledging that she was not as passionate about Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign to become the first female president. “Despite Harris being relatively unnoticed, I feel that this is a significant occasion for my community.”