They are gunning for Georgia’s largest minority.
Ahead of the presidential debate, both Republicans and Democrats are intensifying their efforts to engage Black voters, with a particular emphasis on Black men. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign recently featured high-profile Black surrogates like Reps. Byron Donalds and Wesley Hunt, alongside former HUD Secretary Ben Carson, at a Black American Business Leader Roundtable in Atlanta’s Rocky’s Barbershop. This event aimed to highlight Trump’s achievements for Black voters, though Trump’s assertion that his criminal justice reforms boosted his Black support drew criticism from opponents.
The Biden campaign swiftly responded, condemning Trump’s remarks as reinforcing racist stereotypes. Meanwhile, local business owner Rocky Jones remained undecided about supporting either candidate, expressing a desire to hear both sides before making a decision that would benefit his community.
In continuation of their outreach, Donalds and Hunt launched their “Congress, Cognac, and Cigars” tour, which seeks to foster meaningful discussions on Black male voter engagement and leadership ahead of the 2024 election. This initiative is part of broader Republican efforts, including the establishment of a Black voter coalition and events in cities like Detroit and Philadelphia, aimed at increasing support among voters of color.
Despite these efforts, some skepticism remains among Democrats, such as Adrianne Shropshire from BlackPAC, who suggested that claims of increased Black support for Trump may be exaggerated. On the other hand, Republican organizer Michaelah Montgomery from Conserve the Culture defended the outreach events as essential for providing community and support to Black conservatives.
Given Georgia’s significant Black voter population, efforts from both sides are crucial. While Democrats are also actively engaging Black voters through events and voter registration initiatives, organizations like the Collective PAC are focusing on mobilizing Black voters through panels and debate watch parties. These events not only aim to inform voters about key issues but also provide support for voter registration.
The New Georgia Project Action Fund is launching a Black male relational organizing campaign during its debate watch party, targeting issues like affordable housing and job creation. This campaign aims to engage Black men more actively in political conversations and empower them to share critical information within their communities.
Overall, as both parties vie for Black voter support in Georgia and beyond, the upcoming debates and related events are pivotal in shaping voter engagement strategies and influencing the election outcomes.
