Then US Senator Kamala Harris speaking at the 2019 Iowa Democratic Wing Ding at Surf Ballroom (by Gage Skidmore)
The results of a snap poll of 100 diverse African American leaders in Florida indicates the 2024 general election may generate epic Black voter turnout with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket for Democrats. Compared to the Obama era, the results also show a possible shift in attitude on whether the nation is “ready” to elect a Black female president.
Within 36 hours of President Joe Biden’s decision to step down as the Democrat’s presumptive nominee (issued on Sunday), Harris had secured the overwhelming backing of party leaders and donors to succeed him.
Over that same 36 hours, the Power Broker magazine surveyed a curated list of Black Floridians (designed to approximate the party and gender mix of Black voters in the 2020 election).
Here’s a summary of insights surfaced by the 5-question survey.
Harris’ support could be higher than Obama’s at this point in the race
In late July 2008, a national poll by The Economist and YouGov showed then candidate Barack Obama with a healthy 83% of Black voters in his corner (excluding those who did not plan to vote). The new Power Broker poll shows a combined 89% of African Americans who say they definitely would or are likely to vote for Harris if she secures the nomination.
Several respondents commented on the Obama-esque energy already surrounding Harris’ campaign.
Manatee County resident and retired developer Larry Newsome said, “I have not seen this much excitement in the Democratic Party since 2008.”
Former State Representative Ed Narain wrote, “I’m 100% in!…We will have to work like it’s 2008 but this is a long overdue possibility. Let’s get to work!”
LaShante Keys, owner of Keys Consulting Firm, said “Harris without a doubt should be the nominee and without a doubt to avoid this country taking a step back in time we must vote for Harris like we voted for Obama.”
State Representative Michele Rayner was one of 40,000 Black women who took part in a national call Sunday evening to rally support for Harris (raising $1.5 million in pledges on the spot). Rayner wrote, “As a Democratic delegate, State House Representative, a Link and Sister Greek, and a Black Queer woman in America, I am energized and fully committed to supporting Vice President Kamala Devi Harris.”
Only 4% of respondents said they definitely would not vote for Harris or are not likely to. Reflecting religious principles, one respondent wrote, “For me, many of her policies and philosophies don’t align with my beliefs as a Christian.”
Most feel there should be a process for Harris to secure the nomination
Some Democratic pundits have wondered out loud whether there would be backlash within the Democratic Party if Harris were automatically elevated to the top spot.
Harris addressed the point in her first statement after Biden’s endorsement of her, saying she is prepared to “earn and win” the nomination.
When asked whether her nomination should be automatic or involve a process, about one-third of respondents said it should be automatic (35%), while a plurality said the nomination should be secured by a majority vote of Democratic leaders (55%).
Gepsie Metellus, CEO of Sant La in Miami-Dade and a one-time candidate for county commission, favors a majority vote of Democratic leaders as an important step to uniting the party. Metellus’ advice: “Take nothing for granted; no one for granted; seek support from every corner of the Democratic base.”
Pinellas County Commissioner and Harris campaign surrogate Rene Flowers also favored a vote by party leaders. Addressing those considering not voting, Flowers wrote, “There is not one candidate you will agree with on every topic. Look at the overall record, the candidate’s work ethic towards achieving the items on their platform, and finally ask yourself, what will your world look like if you choose NOT to vote at ALL!”
Most are confident the nation is ready to elect a Black woman president
Speculation on this topic is coursing through the beltway as Republicans roll out racist and misogynistic attacks, warning that Harris is a “DEI hire” who was picked because she is “colored.”
On Monday, JD Vance, Trump’s vice presidential pick, let loose the racist dog whistles in one of his first stump speeches, in Middletown, Ohio.
Black Floridians are already clapping back against the notion and narrative that America is not ready for this milestone.
“I believe we, Black Americans, must not feed into the narrative that the nation is not ready for a Black female president,” wrote Danny White, President of RaceWithoutIsm, though he also acknowledged, “There will most certainly be detractors who surreptitiously, if not blatantly, try to discredit VP Harris based on her sex and skin color.”
One of the youngest polled, Jamison Carnegie, a mid-20s staffer to Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor had similar advice: “I believe, instead of entertaining the narrative, young democrats, the LGBTQ+ community, Divine 9 and others need to rally together to hit the streets to push her [across] the finish line.”
St. Petersburg City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders sees it as a breakthrough moment in history. She wrote, “I think it’s time for our country to experience a radical change encompassing equity, unity and a holistic approach to leadership.”
The Power Broker poll shows what appears to be a healthy increase in African Americans’ confidence in the nation’s racial tolerance.
In 2006, only 54% of African Americans felt the country was ready for a Black president. The ratio rose during Obama’s candidacy, to 69% in March 2008, when still only 63% of Americans felt the nation was ready for a female president.
Of the 100 Black Floridians we polled, a combined 80% said they were either very confident or somewhat confident the nation is ready to elect a qualified Black female president. A plurality said they are very confident (44%).
Still, some remain skeptical. As one respondent put it, “I trust Kamala Harris with this country. I don’t trust this country with her.”
Another wrote, “I seriously doubt that with the assault on women’s rights, that this is a nation capable of electing Kamala Harris.”
Roughly 20% of respondents said they were not very confident or not at all confident that the nation is ready for this milestone.
In closing, I leave you with the words of Charles (Chuck) Ridley, long-time civil rights activist and political coordinator in Palm Beach County: “This moment is not just a historic milestone; it is a profound testament to the relentless spirit and unyielding perseverance of Black women throughout our nation’s history…We must rally behind Kamala Harris with the full force of our collective strength and unity…Her journey to the presidency is our journey.”
This Power Broker poll was conducted July 21-23, 2024. To feed back or with questions, gypsy@powerbrokermagazine.com.
