Former President Barack Obama led a star-studded rally for Kamala Harris in Georgia on Thursday, aiming to strengthen support among the state’s influential black voters. He emphasized to the audience that elections encompass more than just policies; they also revolve around values and empathy. The rally included notable figures like actor Samuel L. Jackson, director Spike Lee, and Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, who all voiced their support for Harris as essential to the Democratic cause.
Recent opinion polls indicate that while Democrats are still likely to secure a significant majority of black voters, Harris has experienced a decline in support within this demographic. A New York Times/Siena College poll revealed that only 70% of black men indicated they would vote for Harris, a decrease from the 85% who backed Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Ensuring high turnout among black voters is vital for Harris’s prospects in the presidential race.
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The rally took place at the James L. Hallford stadium in DeKalb County, a Democratic stronghold crucial for the party’s success in Georgia. With over 20,000 predominantly black attendees, various speakers highlighted the past actions of Republican candidate Donald Trump to persuade voters against him. Warnock referenced Trump’s history of promoting conspiracy theories about Obama and his comments regarding the wrongful conviction of the Central Park Five, asserting that a significant number of black men would not support Trump.
Continuing this theme, Tyler Perry echoed Warnock’s sentiments, stating that Trump’s America does not represent the dreams of many individuals. Obama, addressing the crowd, noted that some men may misconstrue Trump’s behavior as a sign of strength, clarifying that true strength lies elsewhere. Many rally-goers left after Obama’s speech, indicating his draw as a prominent figure, but some, like Nur Ali, remained excited to vote for Harris, citing the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness program as a significant factor in their support.
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Harris concluded the event by stressing her commitment to protecting abortion rights and addressing Trump’s qualifications for office. She focused on her economic proposals for working Americans while framing Trump as a threat to democracy. Supporters at the rally, like Kri Pek and LaTanya Taylor, expressed confidence in Harris’s experience and the historical significance of her candidacy. Meanwhile, Trump is appealing to black voters by arguing that his economic policies would better serve their interests, criticizing the Democrats for not delivering results, a sentiment echoed by attendees at his recent rally in Duluth.
