What Black Male Voters Should Consider About Kamala Harris

When I was a field organizer for President ObamaDuring the 2012 re-election campaign, our leaders regularly discussed our role in building the “Obama Coalition.”

This strategic mix of demographics was crucial to our chances of defeating Mitt Romney.

At the national level, the coalition took into account several scenarios – casually called “electoral math” – that pointed to victory. The main goal was to build this coalition and make sure our voters turned out on Election Day.

Political, but make it gay!

Stay awake with our briefing and stay up to date on all things LGBTQ+ entertainment, life and more!

The campaign followed every trend that could affect the electoral math. When something seemed to be gaining ground, the White House responded quickly. And this is not an exaggeration.

On June 7, 2012, a few Spanish activists came organized a hunger strike at a campaign office in Denver, where he urged President Obama to prioritize the DREAM Act, legislation that would have provided a path to citizenship for immigrants brought to America as children. The bill had languished in the Republican-controlled Senate despite passing in the Democratic House.

Denver was no coincidence; Colorado was a crucial swing state.

Just eight days after the occupation began, President Obama spoke from the Rose Garden, which states that “individuals who do not pose a risk to national security or public safety (could) apply for temporary relief from deportation proceedings and apply for a work permit.”

This decisive action resonated deeply with voters concerned about immigration. When the votes were counted, Obama was captured the Spanish voice by a remarkable 71 to 27 percent – ​​and an even more impressive 75 to 23 percent in Colorado. (This marked Democrats’ best performance in this demographic since 72 percent voted for Bill Clinton in 1996.)

A decade and three election cycles later, Vice President Kamala Harris is racing to build its own coalition – a “Koalition,” if you will.

Like any astute politician, she is well aware of the demographic developments she must address to support her election strategy. While she excels at discussing women’s issues, her reach also extends to gun owners, LGBTQ+ communities and business leaders – while refusing to appease racists who demand to see her “black card.”

So when politicians panicked over reports of black men abandoning the vice president, I wasn’t surprised that she stood her ground. In fact, I was impressed by her response.

Without solid data to back up these claims — and amid suggestions that misinformation may be targeting black men — Harris could have dismissed the rumors as mere distractions. Instead, she chose to unveil policy proposals that address the unique challenges Black men face.

Her initiatives include:

1. One million fully forgivable loans for Black entrepreneurs and others to start a business.
2. Education, training and mentorship programs that help Black men obtain high-paying jobs in high-demand industries and lead their communities, including pathways to becoming teachers.
3. Regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and other digital assets so that black investors are protected.
4. A National Health Equity Initiative for Black men that addresses sickle cell disease, diabetes, mental health, prostate cancer and other health issues that disproportionately affect them.
5. Initiative to legalize recreational marijuana, providing opportunities for Black Americans to succeed in this new industry.

In a hyperbole, Harris’ campaign describes her proposals as “groundbreaking.”

Still, it’s a start, and that’s important.

Historically, the black vote was taken for granted even during Obama’s presidency. Politicians have hesitated to address issues that directly impact the lives of Black citizens, instead favoring legislation that benefits the broader population while disproportionately helping Black communities, such as the Affordable Care Act.

That worked then, but we want and deserve more.

Like any demographic group, Black Americans have specific problems that warrant specific solutions. What sets Harris apart is her pragmatic approach to ideological fanaticism.

Power is the ability to change the rules. When our community demands something, decision makers should fear disappointing us.

Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change

Rashad Robinsonchairman of Color of Change, says this is the best way to investigate all politicians, regardless of their identity. Not as people we vote for because we like them, but as decision makers who respond to voters’ demands.

During a conversation at the Native Son Black Gay Leadership Forum in Washington, DC last week, Robinson said: “Power is the ability to change the rules. If our community demands something, decision makers should be afraid of disappointing us.” This way we have leverage.

This week we have seen a politician respond to community power, and in a democracy our vote is not just a right; it is our power, influence and voice.

Kamala Harris opened the door.

Black men need to step through it and continue to demand more.

Register for the Queerty newsletter to stay up to date on the hottest stories in LGBTQ+ entertainment, politics and culture.