(LibertySociety.com) – Representative James Clyburn (D-SC) voiced concerns on CNN’s State of the Union about the possibility of Black men either staying home or voting for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. During the interview, host Dana Bash referenced remarks by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who noted that some Black men feel “Democrats take us for granted” while Trump directly appeals to them. Bash asked Clyburn if he shared these concerns.
“Yes, I am concerned about Black men staying home or voting for Trump,” Clyburn admitted, but he remained optimistic about the Democratic campaign’s efforts to engage voters. He highlighted his recent experience campaigning in Michigan, alongside Dingell, where he had direct conversations with Black men, religious leaders, and union members. “Quite frankly, I think we had very frank and direct discussions,” Clyburn said, adding that these exchanges left him with a sense of optimism despite the challenges being reported in the media.
Clyburn acknowledged that Black men, like other voters, want clarity on what to expect from the Harris administration. He said he has been forthright in explaining the administration’s goals while also emphasizing the risks of a second Trump term. “I’ve also contrasted that with what they can expect from a Trump administration,” Clyburn noted, pointing specifically to Project 2025, a set of conservative policy goals spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation. He warned that the implementation of such policies would amount to what he described as “Jim Crow 2.0,” echoing a phrase he used during the Democratic National Convention to highlight the dangers he sees in Trump’s agenda.
For Clyburn, the stakes in the election are clear: either continued progress under a Harris administration or a rollback of civil rights under Trump. His concerns underscore the broader challenge Democrats face in maintaining the support of Black men, a crucial voting bloc, especially in key swing states. Clyburn’s focus on direct engagement, however, signals the Democratic Party’s intent to address these concerns head-on, with the hope of energizing Black male voters in the final stretch of the campaign.
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