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Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off in their first presidential debate on Sept. 10. The nation will be closely watching as the two leading candidates present their plans for addressing pressing issues such as the struggling economy, persistent inflation, healthcare, student loan debt, and police reform.
Moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, the 90-minute debate will begin at 9 p.m. and will be broadcast from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. It will also be available for streaming on ABC News, Disney+, and Hulu.
As we head into the intense debate, both candidates have a chance to speak directly to Black voters as they often encounter distinct challenges in the areas mentioned, but Harris has a significant opportunity in particular. The 59-year-old Democrat has received tremendous support from the community ahead of November’s election. According to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll released on Sept. 9, 82% of Black registered voters out of a sample of 1,083 are likely to vote for Harris this November. This marks an increase from the 74 % who supported Biden in April, although it still falls short of Biden’s 87% approval among Black voters recorded in the 2020 exit polls, according to the report.
Support for Harris is also growing in key demographics within the Black community. The proportion of voters who say they will “definitely” back the Democratic candidate has jumped from 48% for Biden in the spring to 68% for Harris now. Among Black voters under 30, Harris has seen a rise in support to 77%, up from 59% for Biden earlier this year. Furthermore, among Black women under 40, Harris’s backing has surged by 19 percentage points, up from 57% for Biden to 76% for Harris.
In contrast to Trump, who is widely criticized by Black voters, Harris is seen as a more favorable alternative. A significant 72% of Black voters view Trump as either a poor or terrible president, according to a Pew Research study published in May. Additionally, 65% of Black adults believe he acted unlawfully in his alleged attempts to alter the outcome of the 2020 election. This dissatisfaction with Trump highlights the potential for Harris to make a meaningful impact among Black voters. However, she will need to outline a clear and actionable plan for addressing the critical issues affecting Black communities and advancing their progress.
Here’s what Black Americans should be listening for while watching tomorrow’s debate.
Improving Education
Education is the cornerstone of progress and opportunity. For Black Americans, enhancing educational resources and opportunities is vital for breaking cycles of poverty and achieving upward mobility. Investing in schools, expanding access to quality education, and addressing educational disparities can pave the way for a brighter future.
Both Harris and Trump need to present clear and actionable plans to tackle the rising costs of tuition at both private and public institutions. According to data for the 2023-2024 school year, average tuition and fees at private colleges have increased by approximately 4% over the past year, according to USA Today. At public institutions, in-state tuition has risen by 2%, while out-of-state tuition has gone up by about 1.4%. For the 2023-2024 academic year, in-state students at ranked public colleges face an average tuition and fees of $10,662, which is nearly 75% less than the average $42,162 at private colleges. Out-of-state students at public colleges have an average cost of $23,630.
Both candidates have proposed plans to address these rising costs. Trump has outlined a vision for a free, online-only university program called the American Academy, which he introduced on November 1, 2023. While specifics are limited, he has pledged that credentials from this program would be recognized by the federal government and government contractors. On the other hand, Harris supports a proposal similar to the America’s College Promise Act, which aims to make community college free by offering grants to states that agree to cover two years of tuition at public, two-year colleges.
Strengthening the Economy
A robust economy is crucial for providing good jobs and economic stability. By strengthening the economy, we can ensure that Black Americans have access to better employment opportunities, fair wages, and pathways to financial independence.
An August report conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the unemployment rate surged by 4.2 percentage points, reaching 7.1 million unemployed individuals compared to 6.3 million in 2023. The jobless rate has increased from 3.8% to its current level, with Black Americans bearing a disproportionate impact of the crisis.
Among major demographic groups, unemployment rates in August remained relatively stable for various groups: adult men (4.0%), adult women (3.7%), teenagers (14.1%), Whites (3.8%), Asians (4.1%), and Hispanics (5.5%). However, Black workers continue to experience higher unemployment rates, currently at 6.1%.
For Black individuals in the American workforce, robust protections are essential to ensure fair pay and benefits. Social Security protections are particularly crucial, providing financial security in retirement and during periods of need. Strengthening these safeguards ensures that Black Americans have a reliable safety net throughout their lives.
Additionally, paid family and medical leave are essential for supporting working Black families and ensuring that workers can take time off without losing income. It’s a game changer for maintaining family health and stability.
Raising the minimum wage can help ensure that all workers earn a living wage. This is particularly important for Black workers, who are more likely to be in low-wage jobs. A fair wage supports economic stability and reduces poverty. However, this security could be at risk with Trump’s Project 2025 initiative, which threatens to undermine these vital protections. Harris has a unique opportunity at Tuesday’s debate to clearly outline her plan for tackling this issue.
Kamala Harris in debate – Source: Alex Wong / Getty
Reducing Costs
The rising costs of essentials such as food, healthcare, and housing disproportionately affect Black communities. Reducing these costs can alleviate financial burdens and improve quality of life, allowing families to spend more on education, savings, and other important areas.
Additionally, Black voters should pay close attention on Tuesday to whether both candidates address their plans for making affordable housing a reality. Affordable housing is crucial for stability and well-being, and expanding access to it is key to helping Black families secure safe, stable homes. This, in turn, is fundamental for building strong and resilient communities.
Addressing Police Reform
Racial justice remains a pressing concern. Addressing issues like police reform, exemplified by the George Floyd Policing Act, is essential for ensuring fair treatment and equal rights for Black Americans. Tackling systemic racism head-on can help build a more equitable society.
Trump and Harris have markedly different approaches to policing and criminal justice. Trump’s campaign has proposed a plan to bolster police departments by significantly increasing funding to hire and retrain officers, fortifying qualified immunity and other protections for police, raising penalties for assaults on law enforcement, incarcerating violent offenders and repeat criminals, and deploying federal prosecutors and the National Guard to high-crime areas.
In contrast, Harris supports the Democrat-backed George Floyd Policing Act, which was approved by the House in 2021. The legislation aims to enhance police accountability and transparency by limiting certain policing practices, improving data collection and reporting, and setting new standards for training and best practices.
Creating safer communities involves effective crime reduction strategies. By addressing the root causes of crime and supporting community-based initiatives, we can enhance safety and well-being in Black neighborhoods. Stronger gun control laws are essential for reducing violence and protecting lives. Advocating for sensible gun regulations can help prevent tragedies and ensure that communities are safer for everyone.
Source: Tierney L. Cross / Getty
Women’s Reproductive Rights
Women’s reproductive rights are fundamental to health and personal autonomy. Ensuring access to reproductive health services and supporting women’s choices are critical for promoting gender equity and empowering Black women to make decisions about their own lives.
Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that was effectively undermined during Trump’s presidency, remains a contentious issue in his campaign. In contrast, Harris has pledged to actively work towards restoring this crucial legislation, emphasizing her commitment to protecting reproductive rights.
Global Climate Change
Climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Addressing global climate change through sustainable practices and environmental justice initiatives is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of Black Americans and future generations.
Student Loan Forgiveness Policies
Student loan forgiveness policies can alleviate the financial burden of education. By reducing or eliminating student debt, we can help Black Americans achieve greater financial freedom and invest in their futures. Both candidates are set to share more about their plans to alleviate student debt at Tuesday’s debate.
Federal Support for Reparations
Federal support for reparations acknowledges and addresses the historical injustices faced by Black Americans. This support is a step toward repairing the economic and social damages caused by systemic racism and slavery. Neither candidate has made their view clear on the matter, but Tuesday’s debate will give Harris and Trump a chance to state their position on the topic and Black Americans will be listening intently.
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