The latest Rasmussen poll results point to an increase in President Trump’s approval among black voters to 29% from 15% one year ago. And it would not take a huge shift in black voter sentiment to sway an election. If the results of this poll, a near doubling of support in one year, are genuine and sustainable, Democrats have reason to worry.
Although this news may sound surprising, there are valid reasons for blacks to gravitate toward Trump. Democratic candidates generally take black support for granted, but Trump has actually made an effort to reach out to the black community.
Kanye West’s enthusiastic support certainly helped Trump gain traction among black voters. In April, West endured relentless criticism from many on the left who viewed him as a traitor. However, he is a very powerful person and his endorsement of Trump likely caused some of his fans to at least consider the possibility of supporting Trump.
West tweeted “You don’t have to agree with trump but the mob can’t make me not love him. We are both dragon energy. He is my brother. I love everyone. I don’t agree with everything anyone does. That’s what makes us individuals. And we have the right to independent thought.”
Even Kim Kardashian, although not yet a Trump supporter, refused to criticize him when Jimmy Kimmel nudged her to do so on his show. She said, “I have nothing bad to say about the president. He has done something amazing.” Kardashian lobbied the president in June on behalf of Alice Johnson, a “63-year-old Tennessee woman who was sentenced to life in prison in 1996 on non-violent drug charges.” Trump commuted Johnson’s sentence. Say what you will about Kardashian, but she is an extremely influential American.
Recently, Trump invited pastors of mostly black congregations to the White House to discuss prison reform. Pastor Darrell Scott of Cleveland said:
“This is probably the most pro-active administration regarding urban America and the faith-based community in my lifetime. This is probably going to be … the most pro-black president that we’ve had in our lifetime. This president actually wants to prove something to our community, our faith-based community and our ethnic community. The last president didn’t feel like he had to.”
Trump also noted during the meeting that the unemployment rate for blacks is the lowest it has ever been since the statistic has been measured.
- Elizabeth Vaughn | freedomoutpost.com and other wire services
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