Joe Biden’s Support Among Black Voters Plummets in Key Battleground State

By: Georgia McKoy | Published: Jun 13, 2024

It seems President Joe Biden is facing a tough challenge in Pennsylvania. 

While he previously captured a staggering 92% of the Black vote in 2020, recent numbers from a Marist Poll show that support has now dropped to 68%.

Trump's Popularity Rising Among Black Voters

Interestingly, Donald Trump is making some gains. Where he only secured 7% of the Black vote in the last election, he’s now up to 23% according to the latest data. 

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Donald Trump on stage giving a victory sign with his right hand, smiling, wearing a dark suit and a blue tie

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This points to some significant changes in voter sentiment.

A New Choice for Some: Independent Candidates

The landscape is getting even more diverse with 4% of Black voters supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and another 3% backing Cornel West, both independents. 

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking at a podium with a "Kennedy 24 Declare Your Independence" banner, gesturing with his hands

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Their presence could shake things up in the final vote count.

Trump Currently Ahead of Biden in Pennsylvania

In a close race, Trump has managed to edge out Biden with 47% of the overall support compared to Biden’s 45%. 

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Donald Trump standing at a podium with the presidential seal, in a blue suit and red tie, with American flags in the background

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Pennsylvania is shaping up to be a real battleground.

Biden's Strategy: Zeroing in on Black Voters

Thomas Gift notes, “Biden can’t win without key Democrat coalitions.”

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Joe Biden seated at a desk outdoors, signing a document, surrounded by a diverse group of people clapping

Source: POTUS/X

He continued, “and the increased get-out-the-vote effort by the campaign to woo Black voters is emblematic of growing apathy that advisers see among that demographic.” 

The High Cost of Campaign Focus

Gift also highlights a strategic dilemma.

President Joe Biden speaking at a podium with the Presidential seal, at the White House, with teleprompters on either side and American flags in the background

Source: POTUS/X

He said, “The campaign is having to expend resources for outreach efforts that might otherwise have gone to courting swing and moderate voters. In a state like Pennsylvania, where margins are so tight, that trade-off could prove decisive.”

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Biden's Personal Appeal in Philadelphia

During a recent rally in Philadelphia, Biden didn’t just speak; he reached out personally.

President Joe Biden smiling while speaking at a podium with the Presidential seal, flanked by American flags

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He thanked Black voters for their 2020 support and discussing policies that have specifically benefited their communities.

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Biden Calls Out Trump’s Tactics

In a sharp critique, Biden accused Trump of using pandering tactics.

Donald Trump clapping on a dark stage, wearing a blue suit and a light blue tie

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He said, “pandering and peddling lies and stereotypes for your vote, so he can win for himself, not for you,” making it clear he sees a stark contrast in their approaches.

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Celebrating Juneteenth at the White House

This year’s Juneteenth celebrations were marked by a special concert on the White House lawn.

Daytime view of the White House front exterior, showing the North Lawn and facade of the building under a clear sky

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Biden reminded attendees that “Black history is American history,” reinforcing his commitment to this crucial part of the nation’s fabric.

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A Political Tightrope

As November edges closer, the stakes are high and the margins tight. 

President Joe Biden speaking at an outdoor event, with Vice President Kamala Harris standing beside him clapping

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Biden’s campaign faces the dual challenge of maintaining its core base and curbing the rise of Trump’s support.

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Shifting Political Tides in Pennsylvania

As the election draws nearer, the shifts in allegiance among Black voters are becoming more pronounced.

President Joe Biden speaking at a podium with a construction site in the background, featuring an American flag and workers in reflective vests listening

Source: POTUS/X

This could potentially lead to major strategy overhauls by both parties.

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The Crucial Role of Black Voters in the Upcoming Election

Looking forward, the success of Biden’s targeted voter engagement efforts could very well decide his fate in the upcoming November elections. 

President Joe Biden speaking at an indoor podium with the Presidential seal, a painting in the background

Source: POTUS/X

The support of Black voters remains a critical factor as the race tightens.

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