Apr 6, 2019 - Politics & Policy

In 2020 presidential election, Democrats urgently court black voters

Axios

This is a two-way split screen between Bernie Sanders and Beto O'Rourke — Beto O'Rourke and Bernie Sanders. Photo: Getty Images

In the initial phase of the Dems' 2020 race, "two straight white men [Bernie Sanders and Beto O'Rourke] have emerged as the fastest fundraisers, and another [Joe Biden] has jumped to a lead in recent polls, before even announcing his candidacy," the WashPost's Sean Sullivan and Dave Weigel write.

Why it matters: Their rise "in a field with historic diversity has caused dismay among some Democrats, particularly African Americans and women hoping for a mold-breaking nominee."

What's new: "That has led the current white male candidates ... to seek out black voters with some urgency," per The Post.

"They are opening the door to reparations, speaking openly about the legacy of slavery and offering blunt talk on racial injustice."

The bottom line: "Black voters, particularly black women, have the potential to play a decisive role in the Democratic Party’s attempt to defeat President Trump."

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In 2020 presidential election, Democrats urgently court black voters

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