Despite Biden’s Emphasis on Substantial Investments in Black America, African American Support for His Campaign Remains Low

By Stacy M. Brown | NNPA

President Biden’s Re-Election Campaign and the Black Press of America

The 2024 presidential election race is in full swing, and President Joe Biden’s campaign is facing challenges among African Americans. There are concerns about the campaign’s perceived neglect of the Black Press of America, which has been the trusted voice of the community for nearly two centuries. However, the White House is eager to highlight the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, particularly in economic growth and equity.

Historic Gains in the U.S. Economy

According to a blog post titled “Ten Charts That Explain the U.S. Economy in 2023” by the White House, the administration’s economic agenda has yielded positive results, including historic gains for women and Black workers. The blog emphasizes the ongoing work required to lower costs for American families and ensure the widespread benefits of economic growth, labor market strength, and declining inflation.

Key Economic Indicators

The blog details key economic indicators, such as surpassing expectations for real economic growth in 2023 and the positive impact on consumer spending. The Inflation Reduction Act is highlighted as a significant factor in the historic manufacturing boom, leading to record levels of real private manufacturing construction investment. Job gains in 2023 have been robust, with 14.1 million jobs added under the Biden administration through November. The unemployment rate has remained below 4% for 22 months, a milestone not seen in over 50 years. Despite a peak in inflation in the summer of 2022, there is a downward trend, along with real wage growth and a decrease in wage inequality. Historic union activity in 2023 has contributed to the highest rate of prime-age women participating in the labor force since 1948.

The Perceived Neglect of the Black Press of America

African Americans are growing increasingly concerned about what they perceive to be the Biden campaign’s underinvestment in the Black Press of America. The Black Press, represented by the National Newspaper Publishers Association, has been the community’s most trusted voice for nearly two centuries, and its omission from the campaign strategy raises questions about the administration’s commitment to addressing the specific needs and concerns of African Americans. However, the blog emphasizes Biden’s commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs, highlighting significant investments in federal contracts awarded to small, disadvantaged businesses and community lenders to expand access to capital and resources for often sidelined entrepreneurs.

Balancing Economic Achievements and Community-Specific Outreach

As the re-election campaign unfolds, the Biden administration faces the challenge of addressing the concerns within the African American community, particularly the perceived neglect of the Black Press of America. Balancing economic achievements with community-specific outreach will be crucial in securing support from this vital demographic.