Black voters in Chicago said crime and the economy were their top issues ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
“Fox & Friends” co-host Lawrence Jones spoke to community members ahead of the four-day Democratic National Convention in the Windy City and asked them who they would vote for this election cycle.
Corey Brooks, a pastor at Beginnings Church of Chicago, told Jones that the start of the DNC in his city was a “bittersweet moment.”
“I am happy for the city of Chicago that we are able to host a major convention. The most bitter part is that I do not agree with any of the principles and policies that are being applied there because they do not benefit our community,” he said.
DNC host Chicago, hit by riots at the 1968 convention, prepares for bloodshed
Black voters in Chicago told Lawrence Jones that they need to learn more about the policies and platforms of both candidates.
Brooks also called on voters to move away from “identity politics,” saying that voting for a candidate simply based on his race and gender is “the complete opposite of what we should be doing.”
Several black voters told “Fox & Friends” that violence in Chicago, particularly gun violence, was a top priority in the election. Others cited the impact of inflation as a significant concern.
“The economy is a big question mark,” said one black voter. “When you go to the supermarket, you know that eggs, bread and just small items are expensive now.”
Brooks noted that there has been a shift in his congregation and the larger community away from many of the political views promoted by the Democratic Party.
“I believe that conservative principles are much better for us as a nation and for us as a people,” said one voter.
CHAOS ERRORATES AT KAMALA HARRIS’ NYC EVENT AS DNC PREPARES FOR CHICAGO RIOTS
The United Center outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on Friday, August 16, 2024. City officials are keen to avoid any echo of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, when a bus strike added additional chaos to a protest-filled event. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
He also claimed that the Republican Party was pro-education, pro-family and pro-business.
“I mean, come on. It’s time to do something different,” the man said.
While some voters expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris, others expressed indecision and dissatisfaction with both parties.
“I want to hear more about what (Harris) is going to do, because being black is one thing, but there are black people who disappoint us. Being a woman is one thing, but there are women who disappoint us. So I think the main thing is what your program is,” one voter said.
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The DNC is expected to attract an estimated 50,000 people to Chicago this week, including delegates, activists and journalists.
Harris is expected to formally accept her nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate during the party’s convention.
