In 2008, African-American voters came out in record numbers to vote for Barack Obama. This week, President Obama began a media push to reach out to those same voters, appearing as a call-in guest on The Tom Joyner Show and the Al Sharpton Show, among others. But will it be possible to convince previously excited “Yes We Can” supporters to vote, even without Obama on the ballot?
William Boone, professor of political science at Clark Atlanta University, says that while it’s impossible to expect the same black voter turnout as 2008, it will still be higher than previous midterm elections.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!