In a recent CNN discussion, a guest commentator dismissed the rising support for former President Donald Trump among black voters, suggesting that some might have been financially incentivized to back him.
This claim comes in the face of recent polls indicating an increase in Trump's popularity among this demographic.
According to the Daily Caller, Angela Rye, the commentator in question, expressed skepticism over the validity of these polls during her conversation with CNN guest host Pamela Brown. She questioned the authenticity of the black voters who were reportedly backing Trump. "I dont make anything of these polls that are talking to imaginary black folks. I would love to know, for one, who theyre talking to, because Ive not seen them anywhere, Rye stated.
These polls, including one from CBS showing Trump's support at 17% and another from Fox News indicating a 26% backing, surpass the 12% support Trump received from black voters in the 2020 election, as per a CNN exit poll. Both the CBS and Fox News polls were conducted in August with a margin of error of 2.1% and 3% respectively.
Rye continued her critique, suggesting that the black voters supporting Trump might be as elusive as the protagonist in Ralph Ellison's novel, "The Invisible Man". She also raised doubts about a Trump ad targeting black women voters, speculating that some participants might have been paid. "And there are these people who allegedly exist all throughout the country, and theyre reading scripts. You can see their eye-line going over here. And I think some of them might be paid to say some of these things. Im not sure, she added.
However, contrary to Rye's assertions, a recent Sky News segment featured black men in Georgia expressing their support for Trump, citing his economic policies and personality as reasons. Additionally, some black voters told The New York Times in July that they were tired of the Democrats' "pandering", which they found "insulting". There was also criticism aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris, with black voters outside the Democratic National Committee claiming she was indifferent to their concerns.
Despite these voices, Rye remained unconvinced about the polls' accuracy. Im not giving any credit to these polls. Polls end up being wrong all the time and Ive seen polls that say 15%, 19%, 18% of black folks, she said. I dont believe it at all. I really dont.
Login