Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Election Narrative About Black Men
Digest
This episode of Reveal delves into the complexities of black men's voting patterns in the 2020 election, particularly in relation to Kamala Harris' candidacy. The episode explores the reasons behind potential voter apathy, including the role of scapegoating in political discourse. It examines Barack Obama's recent comments about black men's voting choices and the contrasting strategy employed by Kamala Harris, who released a specific agenda for black men. The episode also analyzes Donald Trump's attempts to connect with black men, particularly through his release of a line of sneakers and his use of a "tough guy" persona. The conversation explores the potential appeal of Trump's approach to younger generations and the importance of action and tangible change in addressing the concerns of black voters.
Outlines
Black Men and the 2020 Election
This episode explores the complex dynamics of black men's voting patterns in the 2020 election, particularly in relation to Kamala Harris' candidacy. The episode features conversations with various individuals, including the host, Al Letson, and his colleague, Garrison Hayes, who discuss the reasons behind potential voter apathy and the role of scapegoating in political discourse.
Political Strategies and Voter Apathy
The episode delves into Barack Obama's recent comments about black men's voting choices, specifically his call-out for making excuses for not voting for Kamala Harris. The conversation explores the potential effectiveness of Obama's approach and the contrasting strategy employed by Kamala Harris, who released a specific agenda for black men.
Trump's Outreach and the Appeal of "Toughness"
The episode examines Donald Trump's attempts to connect with black men, particularly through his release of a line of sneakers and his use of a "tough guy" persona. The conversation explores the potential appeal of Trump's approach to younger generations and the importance of action and tangible change in addressing the concerns of black voters.
Keywords
Scapegoating
The act of blaming an individual or group for problems that are not their fault, often to deflect attention from the real causes or to maintain power dynamics.
Voter Apathy
A lack of interest or enthusiasm in participating in the political process, often stemming from feelings of powerlessness or disillusionment.
Political Strategy
A plan or approach used by politicians or political parties to achieve their goals, often involving the use of messaging, campaigning, and policy proposals.
Countercultural Affect
A phenomenon where individuals or groups adopt behaviors or attitudes that challenge or reject mainstream societal norms, often as a form of rebellion or resistance.
Cynicism
A distrustful or skeptical attitude towards authority, institutions, or the motives of others, often stemming from a belief that these entities are inherently corrupt or self-serving.
Q&A
Why do some people believe that black men are leaving the Democratic Party in large numbers to vote for Donald Trump?
This belief is often fueled by propaganda from both Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats potentially using it as a scapegoat if Kamala Harris loses the election. However, the episode argues that this narrative is exaggerated and that the more significant issue is voter apathy and cynicism among black men.
How does Kamala Harris' agenda for black men differ from the typical approach of politicians?
Kamala Harris' agenda for black men is unique in that it explicitly addresses the concerns of black men and contextualizes her existing policy proposals within the framework of their potential impact on this specific demographic. This approach challenges the traditional reluctance of politicians to directly address racial issues for fear of alienating white voters.
What is the appeal of Donald Trump's "tough guy" persona to younger generations?
Trump's "tough guy" persona, characterized by his disregard for social norms and his willingness to speak his mind, resonates with some younger generations who have grown up in the internet age and are accustomed to countercultural figures like Twitch streamers and YouTubers. This appeal stems from a perception of Trump as untouchable and authentic, even if his policies may not align with their values.
Show Notes
Earlier this month, former President Barack Obama stopped by a Kamala Harris campaign office in Pennsylvania and made headlines by admonishing Black men for being less enthusiastic about supporting her for president compared with the support he received when he ran in 2008.
“Part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that,” Obama said.
Within days of Obama’s comments, Harris unveiled an “opportunity agenda for Black men” in part to energize and engage this slice of the electorate. According to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll, 70 percent of likely Black male voters said they supported Harris, compared with more than 80 percent of Black men who voted for President Joe Biden in 2020.
So should we believe the polls? Reveal host Al Letson and Mother Jones video correspondent Garrison Hayes are skeptical. In this podcast extra, Letson and Hayes discuss whether Democrats should be concerned about Black men defecting from the party, former President Donald Trump’s own plans to win them over, and why they think one of the most Democratic-leaning demographics in the US will likely stay that way.
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