Rep. Jim Clyburn asserted that the media’s repetition of Trump’s “disinformation” has contributed to an increase in support among Black voters for the GOP candidate.
June 19, 2024 Story by: Editor
Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) has attributed President Biden’s recent struggles with Black voters to issues of “miscommunication” and “disinformation.” This comes amidst growing concerns that Biden is losing support from a demographic that has traditionally backed Democrats.
Recent polls indicate that former President Trump may attract up to 25% of Black voters in the upcoming November election, a notable increase from previous years.
“We need to be very cautious because this situation is driven by miscommunication and disinformation, and that’s deeply troubling,” Clyburn stated in an interview with Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC.
Highlighting the influential role of the media, Clyburn added, “The media’s repetition of these narratives, rather than reporting the actual events, is what’s causing the issue.”
Clyburn, a seasoned congressman and a staunch supporter of Biden, emphasized that the problem lies not with the president but with the public’s feelings and perceptions of the race.
“People are feeling disheartened. When enough people feel this way, it can lead to voter suppression,” he explained. “That’s why I’m traveling across the country.”
Clyburn mentioned his plans to visit Georgia to remind people of the impact of the Trump presidency, stating, “I’m heading to Georgia this weekend to spend two days there, reminding people of what Trump did during his four years in office.”
Both Biden and Trump have increased their efforts to engage Black voters, particularly Black men, as the 2024 election cycle approaches. While Trump is focusing on personal engagement, Biden’s campaign is highlighting policy achievements.
Mondale Robinson, founder of the Black Male Voter Project, told The Hill, “I don’t see a pathway to victory without Black men.”
The Biden campaign has refuted the notion that Trump is making significant gains among Black voters. Campaign Co-Chair Mitch Landrieu remarked that there’s “no universe” where Trump wins 21% of Black voters, despite a recent CNN poll suggesting otherwise.
In the 2020 election, Trump garnered approximately 17% of the Black vote.
At a recent campaign event, Biden accused Trump of “pandering” to Black voters, contrasting it with his own record of delivering results.
“I’ve shown you who I am, and Trump has shown you who he is. Today, Donald Trump is pandering and spreading lies and stereotypes for your vote, for his own benefit,” Biden said. “Well, Donald Trump, here’s a message for you: not in our house, and not on our watch.”
Conversely, the Trump campaign has touted the polls as evidence of their successful outreach.
“President Trump is engaging with Black communities and listening to voters in their own neighborhoods,” Janiyah Thomas, the Trump campaign’s director of Black media, told The Hill.
“Polls and other measures of public support indicate that historic numbers of voters in the Black community are moving away from Biden and towards President Trump.” Source: The Hill
