Darryl Gatewood recently got a good-paying job as a pharmaceutical delivery truck driver after being unemployed for two years. As a Black man and registered Democrat in Pennsylvania, he is undecided about whether to support Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, or a third-party candidate in the upcoming election. While Harris is favored by Black voters in swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, concerns about rising grocery bills and housing costs remain among young, low-income, and undecided voters. A poll conducted last weekend shows that Harris is favored over Trump by a significant margin in these states, but the campaign still needs to appeal to third-party and undecided voters to secure victory.
Harris’ favorability ratings have increased in Michigan and Pennsylvania compared to when Biden was the Democratic nominee, but she still needs to gain ground among certain voter demographics to ensure success. Concerns around the economy and rising costs are top priorities for Black voters in these states, particularly for those making less than $50,000 a year. Despite economic challenges, support for Harris remains high among Black voters, indicating a willingness to vote despite personal financial struggles.
However, Harris still needs to address the concerns of young, low-income, and undecided voters to solidify her support base and secure victory in the upcoming election. Questions around her agenda, authenticity, and ability to connect with voters remain crucial for undecided individuals like Tre Pearson. While some voters like Nikia Mumin-Washington remain wary of popular candidates and may consider third-party options, the key to Harris’ success lies in appealing to a diverse range of voters and addressing their pressing economic concerns as the election approaches.
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