At times it appears that African-American male voters are a forgotten commodity. This invisibility extends to a Democratic Party who have historically been incapable of securing any political victories without the overwhelming support of Black America. In recent times, Black male voters have been rendered invisible by even the Democratic Party. This invisibility is heightened by the rhetoric of political pundits who remind all that Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party.

Although I do agree that the political support of Black women will be crucial in the fast-approaching presidential election, the Democratic Party is courting danger if they fail to address Black male voters. We must not forget that Black male voters cast 13% of their ballots for Donald J. Trump. Let’s keep in mind that Black males were over three times as likely to vote for Donald J. Trump than their female counterparts. I am sure that you agree that in an election that is as tight and important as this one that it is crucial that Black males get out to vote.

It appears that someone within the Democratic Party has recognized the crucial nature of the Black male vote as it plans to debut two barbershop talk political ads titled “Trust” and “Get This Right” specifically aimed at this population. The overture is much-needed as Black male voters have often been a forgotten element in the political arena. However, as noble as the outreach effort is, it is the message that will be communicated that is more important.

Let’s face facts, the combination of Joe Biden, the creator of the 1994 Crime Bill and Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor has many Black men “feeling some kind of way.” For Black men, the foremost victims of centuries of mass incarceration schemes that began the moment stolen Africans arrived in British mainland colonies to present-day, such a political ticket is less than desirable. Make no mistake about it, Black men are not only aware but also concerned by the Biden/Harris ticket. Many are so unenthused by the Democratic Party ticket that they are planning to forego participation in this year’s election; many have expressed their intentions to support Trump.

It can not be emphasized enough how important it is for Democratic Party leaders to divest from a baseless belief that Black men are (a) unaware of the issues impacting their lives and (b) incapable of withholding support from the Biden/Harris ticket if both candidates do not address prior actions and statements on matters that are of supreme importance to Black men. If provided the opportunity, I would advise the Democratic Party to bring forth substantive offerings as Black men are far too savvy to be mesmerized by mundane political jargon.

The second ad titled “Get This Right” focuses on Joe Biden’s new plan to correct his historic missteps regarding criminal justice. Huge-swaths of Black America has neither forgotten nor forgiven then-Senator, Joe Biden, for his draconian crime bill that in all probability negatively impacted every African-American either directly or indirectly. Now, a repackaged Joe Biden is seeking to court African-American male voters with a platform that revolves around criminal justice reform. Unlike Senator Biden, Presidential hopeful Biden wishes to do away with mandatory minimum sentences as well as reforming the cash bail system and private prisons. Presidential hopeful Biden articulates the following in the “Get This Right” ad.

I believe my criminal reform justice package is as strong, or stronger than anyone else than anyone has proposed.  

Of course, only time will tell if Black men will be moved by the Democratic Party’s outreach effort. Let’s be honest, the repercussions of Joe Biden’s 1994 Crime Bill was an affront that impacted Black men first and foremost as it facilitated their sons, nephews, friends, and associates, if not them directly. For most, the new ads will be received as little more than political posturing aimed at securing their vote. I guess that the Democratic Party’s recognition of the Black male voter is some form of progress as they have historically been ignored during the majority of national-level political races.

This recent recognition is not much in the grand scheme of things, however, with all things considered, it is something.

Dr. James Thomas Jones III

© Manhood, Race, and Culture, 2020.