Sanders faces a big problem with Biden and black voters

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoseph (Joe) co-founder Robinette BidenBen & Jerry presents Sanders as a president "who defends justice in every way." How could Democrats avoid eating their own support? Union support will not be easy for Biden PLUSThe entry into the race for the Democratic presidency of 2020 increases the pressure on Sen. Bernie SandersBernard (Bernie) SandersSanders expresses his support for the vote to hold Barr in contempt of Barr Ben & Jerry's co-founder introduces Sanders as a president who "defends justice in all its flavors". How could Democrats avoid eating themselves MORE (I-Vt.) To break with black voters.

Sanders was well aware of his need to get support from African Americans. Since entering the race, he has been sought after to solve a problem that weakens him in 2016, when he faced a more difficult main challenge than expected. Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonTrump never gave up her campaign speeches Warren's "New Deal on Education" will be dead on her arrival Union support will not be easy for Biden MORE.

Clinton was greatly helped in her victory by black votes. She earned them over 70% against Sanders.

The former secretary of state, senator and first lady of New York, was a proven food item for black voters in 2016, who enjoyed the affinity that many African Americans entertained with her husband , former President Clinton.

Biden, who appeared Sunday in a Baptist church in South Carolina, represents a similar threat to Sanders given his eight years as vice president of former President Obama, the country's first black president.

While Sanders is doing well in the polls of white and progressive voters, the party's African-American base has not rallied to its campaign – at least not yet.

A Morning Consult survey released last week showed that 47 percent of black women said Biden was their best choice for Democratic nomination, while 18 percent said they preferred Sanders.

A survey of Quinnipiac University last week revealed that Biden had received support from 42% of non-white respondents. Sanders followed Biden and Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenHow Democrats Will Avoid Eating Their Own "Education New Deal" Warren Will Be Dead On His Arrival Union Support Will Not Be Easy For Biden MORE (D-Mass.), Getting only 7% support among non-whites.

It is possible that these figures reflect to a certain extent the familiarity of voters with Biden, but they nevertheless worry the Vermont Independent allies.

"We have work to do," admitted an ally of Sanders. "I do not see how we could win this nomination without the support of African Americans. If Biden goes from one state to another in the south of the country, it will make the task really difficult. "

Over the course of several campaigns, Sanders has emphasized his claim of economic equality as a means to reach African-Americans, particularly through his support for "Medicare for All," an increase in the minimum wage and tuition fees. free.

These policies could all reduce the racial wealth gap, although none of them specifically targets black Americans.

On an issue of particular concern to black Americans, Sanders changed his position on reparations by stating that he supported federal legislation to address the issue.

Sanders has sought to highlight his support for the civil rights movement.

His campaign program also includes stops in Selma, Alaska, where he celebrated the 54th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday", and in North Charleston, S.C., where he organized a rally in a Baptist church. Sanders was also guest of the National Action Network's Rev. Al Sharpton Forum in New York.

A speaker from Sanders said that the campaign "focused on Bernie's message of justice in economic, social, racial and environmental justice" and raised awareness among community leaders, including religious leaders, activists, and others. racial justice, black universities and colleges, and business leaders.

"Bernie has a long history of anti-inequality policy, and we plan to build on this momentum by proposing more proposals to further address the issues facing the Black community and reach out directly to the affected communities." "said the assistant.

"We are not taking any state, community or constituency for granted as part of our efforts to build a movement to transform politics in this country and to create a government that works for everyone," added the aide. .

Sanders stumbled while seeking to appeal to black voters.

The most recent example appeared at the She The People forum in Houston late last month, when he was asked about the role of the federal government in fighting the rise of white nationalism and white terrorism and about the way he planned to take the lead.

Some members of the audience booed after Sanders responded by saying that the nation had to stand up against President TrumpDonald John TrumpPelosi is worried that Trump would have challenged the election if the margin of the House had been too thin. The anticipation is built in a tangible way in the testimony of Mueller Venezuela tests the relationship Trump-Bolton PLUSis "demagogic". After one of the moderators asked the same question again, Sanders began talking about his walk with Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., an answer that provoked more boos.

The woman who posed the question to Sanders, Sayu Bhojwani, president and founder of New American Leaders, told CNN that she was not satisfied.

"I did not feel like I was seen or heard," she said.

Basil Smikle, a Democratic strategist who served as executive director of the Democratic Party of the State of New York, said Sanders needed to better articulate the policy areas that could help black communities.

"Sanders must emerge from a more egalitarian language and articulate a clear understanding of how public and private sector policies have hurt US blacks and how it intends to shift the levers of government to solve them as than president, "said Smikle.

"One would think that he would be able to adapt his populist message to adhere to the prescriptions of African-American politics, but he seems happy to yield this ground to his opponents or is simply unable to pivot towards a race-specific policy." , added Smikle.

Ally Sanders said Sanders had learned the lessons of the 2016 race for black voters, highlighting Sharpton's comments about Sanders.

"I can say that in the last two years he has lived up to everything he's told me and more. I want you to know that he did what he said, "said Sharpton last month.