Why is Biden struggling among young Black Americans?

Black Americans have long been a key component of the Democratic base. In 2020, the Black community was instrumental in electing now-President Joe Biden.

But are cracks in the once-Democratic stronghold beginning to show? New Washington Post/Ipsos polling of Black Americans shows that while Biden continues to perform better among the Black community compared to Republican candidate Donald Trump, young Black Americans appear unenthused by both candidates and seem less likely to vote in this year’s election compared to 2020.

Below are five charts showing where Black Americans stand on Biden and Trump and why Biden might have an enthusiasm problem among younger Black Americans.

1. Biden still is strongest among Black Americans. Black Americans have long been a key part of the Democratic base, and still seem poised to opt for Biden this election cycle. However, a significant, potentially historic minority of Black Americans say they are strongly considering voting for Trump. Can Trump continue to eat away at Biden’s hold over the Black community? We will see.
2. Biden viewed as better on the issues. In general, Biden does much better than Trump when it comes to many of the biggest issues facing the country now among Black Americans. On the economy, one of Biden’s biggest perceived weaknesses, Biden performs better than Trump.
3. On personality, Biden still preferred. When it comes to personality and perception, Black Americans far and away prefer Biden over Trump. Even on issues like mental sharpness, which has been a major thorn in Biden’s side. Again, Biden’s biggest weaknesses aren’t as pronounced among Black Americans.
4. Does Biden have a young problem with young Black Americans? Though Biden polls better on these personality characteristics and the issues than Trump among all Black Americans, this doesn’t seem to be the case among younger Black Americans. It’s not that young Black Americans prefer Trump – they aren’t keen on either Trump or Biden.
5. Turnout troubles? Compared to this time in 2020, young Black Americans have seen the steepest drop in their stated likelihood to vote. This is especially troubling for Biden, who, given the razor-thin margins of most early polling, needs all the help he can get.

Right now, Biden has an enthusiasm problem with young Black Americans, who aren’t excited at the prospect of another Trump or Biden presidency. Can Biden turn this around or will Trump capitalize on Biden’s weakness among such a key part of the Democratic base? We will see.