For over a year, my conversations with Black men and voting organizers have unveiled a growing discontent with the Democratic Party among some Black male voters. Initially, I found it challenging to gauge the extent of this sentiment across the broader community. Despite various polls indicating a decline in Democratic support among Black men, I remained somewhat skeptical of the claims.

However, the Harris campaign’s recent strategy to engage and retain Black male voters clearly illustrates that there is a pressing concern—whether reflected in public polls or internal campaign assessments. Even in a worst-case scenario, where a recent New York Times/Siena College national poll indicated that 70 percent of Black men support Kamala Harris, this still signifies a robust backing for the Democratic nominee compared to men from other racial demographics. Nonetheless, the noticeable slippage in support compared to previous election cycles is troubling; in a tightly contested race, such shifts can have significant implications.

Barack Obama has stepped forward to deliver a candid message aimed at Black men, emphasizing the importance of their vote. Meanwhile, Harris has introduced an “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men” and participated in numerous interviews with influential Black male media figures. The time and resources dedicated to this demographic in the closing days of a campaign are invaluable; the fact that her team is investing such effort signals a genuine concern about potential voter turnout and support.

Obama suggested that part of the decline in support for Harris, compared to the backing he received during his presidential campaigns, may stem from some Black men feeling uncomfortable with the notion of a woman ascending to the presidency. This sentiment—rooted in misogyny or, more specifically, misogynoir, which highlights the unique challenges faced by Black women—undoubtedly plays a role in this dynamic, yet it does not encompass the entirety of the issue.