Here are top 5 reasons black voters won’t turn out in high numbers for Hillary Clinton. This is written from the point of view of a millennial black voter. This doesn’t represent black voters unanimously.
It should be noted that the reasons indicate a lack of faith in Democrats, which resonates with some young African Americans. This is partly due to the rise of racial unrest and the inaction of those in charge. Even though Obama is spoken well of in the African American community, his office is still associated with the current political climate. Another factor is socioeconomic status. Those less off after 8 years with Obama, may not be as motivated to vote.
Here are the top 5 reasons Blacks won’t mobilize for Hillary:
1. Complacent with President Obama’s two terms
For many blacks it was a duty to vote for the first black President. The significance of him winning was filled with emotions. Hillary Clinton being the first female President doesn’t contain as much emotion for Blacks. Despite racial unrest, African Americans still seem satisfied with the country’s direction under Obama, according to a Gallup Poll. In simple terms, the urgency to vote and make a change is just not there.
2. Clinton ran against Obama in the Democrat 2008 primaries
Although Obama has been campaigning for Hillary, it still feels like voting for her is casting a vote against Obama. Their policies may be similar, but Hillary is still remembered as the Democratic candidate who was defeated by Obama. Voting for her would just seems like a last resort vote. Clinton is running for President again, after black voters collectively voted for someone they felt was better. Now they are being asked to vote for someone they didn’t prefer in 2008. Sounds like a major downgrade!
3. Millennial Blacks are now independent from parents
The millennial vote is one of the biggest demographic in this election. Young blacks who voted for the very first time in 2008 or 2012, are no longer live under their parent’s house. It’s fair to say that most of Clinton supporters in the black community are from the older generation. Most black parents influence their children to vote a certain way. Hence generations of the black vote was going to the Democrats. As millennial blacks are becoming independent, that strong parental influence diminishes. It’s already hard just to convince a young adult to vote. Life distractions and no parental influence, increases the chances of young black voters just ignoring this election.
4. Clinton lacks style and is unrelatable
This reason is not unique for the black voter demographic. Americans are attracted to style and appearance. Besides Obama’s ethnicity, a lot of blacks found him relatable. Clinton attempts to capture some of Obama’s persona, but falls short of this. Some blacks even find it insulting and patronizing. She just doesn’t have that celebrity aura. Obama had that young and energetic persona. Even after 8 stressful years in office, he still acts more alive than Hillary.
5. Election results doesn’t impact them
Despite the media’s attempt to scare minorities into voting for Hillary, blacks don’t foresee any changes in the position they’re in now. In a way Trump was right, they feel as if they don’t have anything to lose. The political climate around race has shifted so much, that some are in disbelief with the regressive strives we’ve made as a country. African Americans don’t blame Obama, but a lack of faith in voting is certainly there.