Current:Home > ScamsBlack voters feel excitement, hope and a lot of worry as Harris takes center stage in campaign-LoTradeCoin
Black voters feel excitement, hope and a lot of worry as Harris takes center stage in campaign
View Date:2024-12-24 08:03:07
ATLANTA (AP) — Black voters expressed a mix of hope and worry Monday over Joe Biden’s exit from the presidential race and the prospect of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee.
A key Democratic constituency, Black voters helped power Biden to victory in the 2020 primaries and ultimately to the White House, and they were among his most steadfast supporters, even as calls for him to quit grew. But as much pride as some Black Americans feel about the possibility of Harris, who is of Black and Indian descent, becoming president, the upending of the race has some voters feeling scared.
“I felt like we were doomed,” said Brianna Smith, a 24-year-old school counselor from Decatur, Georgia, recounting her reaction to Biden’s announcement. “I don’t see America actually accepting the fact that a Black woman is running for president.”
Biden’s support of Harris and the immediate coalescing of other party leaders around her makes her the prohibitive favorite to replace him at the top of the presidential ticket. But in interviews in Atlanta, where voters helped flip Georgia for Democrats four years ago, some Black voters were nervous.
“People really don’t like women, especially Black women,” said Mary Jameson, 46. “If a white woman can’t win, how can a Black woman win?”
Carrington Jackson, a 23-year-old chiropractic student from Marietta, Georgia, said she immediately felt fearful when Biden dropped out. Though she believes Harris is a great candidate, she worries about her facing not only the popularity of the GOP nominee, former President Donald Trump, but the prejudices of the American public.
“With me being a Black woman, I understand that she’s at the intersection of sexism and racism,” Jackson said. “I think now that’s going to be a whole other battle, as well as competing against Donald Trump’s supporters.”
An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll fielded prior to Biden’s announcement Sunday found about 6 in 10 Democrats believe Harris would do well as president. More broadly, among all adults, the poll showed skepticism of Harris, with only 3 in 10 Americans saying she would do well as president.
But Blacks were more likely to see Harris in a positive light.
Many Democrats followed Biden’s lead in expressing their support for Harris. The Congressional Black Caucus said it “fully backs” the vice president.
And some Black voters, dismayed by what they saw as Biden’s dwindling chance of winning in November, said they would support whoever could best compete with Trump.
“If they can express the policy of the Democratic Party better than Biden, then I will gladly take that person,” said Pierre Varlet, 30, an anti-money laundering specialist in Atlanta.
veryGood! (54)
Related
- When do new 'Yellowstone' episodes come out? Here's the Season 5, Part 2 episode schedule
- Jelly Roll reflects on performing 'Sing for the Moment' with Eminem in Detroit: 'Unreal'
- Steve Bannon seeks to stay out of prison while he appeals contempt of Congress conviction
- Hog wild problem: These states are working to limit feral swine populations
- Mississippi expects only a small growth in state budget
- Ex-officer in Mississippi gets 1 year in prison for forcing man to lick urine off jail floor
- Legal advocates seek public access to court records about abuse at California women’s prison
- Hog wild problem: These states are working to limit feral swine populations
- It's Red Cup Day at Starbucks: Here's how to get your holiday cup and cash in on deals
- Usher, Babyface showcase icon and legend status at Apollo 90th anniversary
Ranking
- Disney x Lululemon Limited-Edition Collection: Shop Before It Sells Out
- These Stylish Matching Pajama Sets Will Make You Feel Like You have Your Life Together
- Rob Schneider criticizes Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock at 2022 Academy Awards
- Ariana Madix Bares Her Abs in Risqué Gold Cutout Dress for Love Island USA Hosting Debut
- Ben Affleck and His Son Samuel, 12, Enjoy a Rare Night Out Together
- Anthony Michael Hall is loving 'Ms. Rachel,' cites this John Hughes movie as his favorite
- 2024 US Open weather: Thursday conditions for first round at Pinehurst
- USA Basketball defends decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the 2024 Paris Olympics team
Recommendation
-
Sam LaPorta injury update: Lions TE injures shoulder, 'might miss' Week 11
-
Tomorrow X Together on third US tour, Madison Square Garden shows: 'Where I live my dream'
-
These Gap Styles Look Much More Expensive Than They Are and They're All Discounted Right Now
-
Minneapolis named happiest city in the U.S.
-
Police capture Tennessee murder suspect accused of faking his own death on scenic highway
-
USA Basketball defends decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the 2024 Paris Olympics team
-
After rare flash flood emergency, Florida prepares for more heavy rainfall in coming days
-
NBC tries something new for Olympic swimming, gymnastics, track in Paris