There has been quite a bit of hand wringing over the possible decrease in Black American Democratic participation rates in the upcoming November election most specifically among Black male voters. Much of the analysis has centered on Black men feeling disaffected and possibly abstaining in this consequential upcoming election. Just recently former President Obama had stern words for Black men, admonishing them and hypothesizing that their perceived less than enthusiastic support for candidate Harris was steeped in misogyny. Some analysts are concerned this enthusiasm gap among Black men could spell serious trouble for Vice President Kamala Harris and possibly serve as a key factor if she is unsuccessful on election night. This concern also extends beyond the 2024 presidential election to an albeit small but increasing number of Black men who are running as Republicans and upholding the conservative and exclusive policies of the GOP.
Dr. Christina Greer
The concerns surrounding possible Black male apathy and waning interest in the party should be examined. However, the obsession with Black men possibly contributing to the reelection of Donald Trump places attention, blame, and scapegoating on a population of voters who turn out and support the Democratic party at the second greatest percentage rates, second only to Black women. Translation, although Black men may be increasingly more vocal about their critiques of the Democratic party, they still overwhelmingly support Democratic candidates running for office.
The concern seems to be that Black men are moving away from the Democratic party, a possible scenario we will have a much clearer picture of post November 5th. Are Black men disaffected, possibly. Exit poll data will tell us the locales and socioeconomic status of the Black men the Democratic party needs to reach in subsequent elections. As of now, we do know that Black women (and Black men) have been and continue to be the keepers of the Democratic party and democracy more broadly.
Black women may vote at greater rates than Black men, roughly five percentage points greater each presidential election season, but Black men are still exponentially more likely to support the Democratic party at greater rates than Latino, Asian, and especially white voters.
Let’s back up a moment. In many ways Black voters are trapped in a single party system. The ideological diversity of Black voters is largely “captured” by the Democratic party because the Republican party has chosen to cast their lot with white supremacists and myriad anti-Black racist policy proposals and candidates. Third parties do not always provide a safe haven for Black voters' desires for electoral advancement. Therefore, Black voters tend to vote strategically, even when dissatisfied with the choice(s) presented to them.
