In a recent commentary on Fox News’ The Five, Jesse Watters delved into the intricacies of former President Donald Trump’s appeal to black voters and its implications for the current political landscape. Watters highlighted Trump’s historical popularity among black communities, noting a significant shift in support since his entry into politics as a Republican.
“Blacks loved Trump,” Watters emphasized, underscoring the enduring resonance Trump had before his presidential bid.
“So it does seem like they’re trying to say Trump’s racist, and they have to go all the way back into the 80s to say he’s racist,” he said. “I remember in the 80s, Blacks loved Trump. In the 90s they loved him. In the 2000s, Blacks wanted to be Trump. Everybody wanted to be Trump, no matter what color you are. That changed when he ran for president.”
He pointed out the strategic advantage Trump holds over President Joe Biden, particularly in minority communities where Biden’s support has faltered.
Watters elaborated on Trump’s tactical approach to voter outreach, citing his recent rally in the Bronx as a prime example of engaging with traditionally Democratic strongholds. He likened the relationship between politicians and voters to courtship, stressing the importance of active engagement and attention.
“And I don’t think Black Americans even really knew who Joe Biden was until Barack Obama tapped him for VP,” Watters said. “But the way the electoral system is in this country, because time is money. You know, a lot of the times you raise money in your own strongholds, and then you campaign in the battlegrounds and you kind of leave your other opponent’s base alone. That’s off the table now because Trump smells weakness. So he’s diving into Joe Biden’s base.”
“They want you to lavish attention on them. So the Bronx is now like hey, where you been all my life? Come over here. And he’s coming and he is going to come strong,” he added. “I think if you replicate this, maybe not in New York, but if you go into these deep blue precincts in Philly, you do it in Milwaukee, you do it in Atlanta, you do it in Detroit. If you can just get in a battleground, maybe three to four more percent of the Black and Hispanic vote in these cities.”
“That makes a huge difference in November,” Watters concluded.
The significance of Trump’s outreach efforts is further underscored by recent polling data, which indicates a notable increase in his support among black Americans. According to Wall Street Journal polling, thirty percent of black men and eleven percent of black women intend to vote for Trump in 2024, signaling a significant shift in political allegiances.
“I don’t care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump, we support you!” pic.twitter.com/q49RpivIbD
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) April 10, 2024
Conversely, President Biden’s support among black voters has seen a decline, as evidenced by an I&I/TIPP Poll survey. Biden’s loss of support among key demographics poses a significant challenge to his reelection prospects, particularly as Trump makes inroads into traditionally Democratic constituencies.
Watters’ analysis offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of American politics, highlighting the strategic maneuvers of both Trump and Biden as they navigate the complexities of voter outreach and electoral strategy.
