Major black donors unconvinced by 2020 candidates

[brooklynite]

Politico

Black donors and business leaders have a problem with the Democratic presidential field: No one is doing enough to earn their support, they say — or to build a durable relationship with black voters for the primary and general elections.

Those concerns have spilled out in awkward exchanges in recent weeks as 2020 Democrats courted black donors in New York City. It’s a community that threw significant support to Kamala Harris and Cory Booker before they dropped out of the presidential race, and while a large number of them have ties to former President Barack Obama, many remain unconvinced by Joe Biden. But none of the alternatives, particularly Pete Buttigieg, have gained much traction either.

According to interviews with 10 prominent donors and operatives, the situation is sparking anxiety because the donors are increasingly concerned the tepid outreach they’ve experienced from the campaigns shows the candidates are unprepared to motivate black voters — an essential piece of the Democratic base the party nominee will need to defeat President Donald Trump. They find Buttigieg’s stumbles over policing in his hometown troubling and say he has trouble relating on an emotional level. Mike Bloomberg has a damning legacy to overcome on stop-and-frisk policing, even as he reaches out to the black community and puts forward major policy proposals that some find promising.

When Biden campaign manager Greg Schultz traveled to New York in January to hold a campaign briefing with current and potential donors, one attendee told Schultz he believed black voters would only support Biden so long as they thought he was the winning candidate, according to two people with knowledge of the conversation.

[Mike 03]

2. Since Bloomberg isn't asking for money, will he still court black donors for their endorsements?

From what I've seen, he has the support of some powerful African American political leaders. I hadn't considered the donor aspect because of his unusual campaign.

[jimfields33]

3. Stop and frisk is bad enough. Actually disgusting

But blaming the blacks for the housing crisis is so unbelievable that I can’t believe it. His own words should not result in a single vote in the primary for sure.

[evertonfc]

4. I would think

A racist Donald Trump would be enough..

[FarPoint]

5. Men, women, all nationalities...

All are to suffer under tRump....I suggest being courted by a candidate is not essential...

[judeling]

6. All the major donors

Are a bit frozen right now.

If Biden had actually showed strength that may have been different. But as the field narrowed and he didn't seem to rise the concern grew and so Biden's money problems.

Now they don't know just who to back. Whoever however comes out of the next couple of weeks who looks to be consolidating a position can expect the spigot to open. Except of course Bernie. But even that will help as that money will flow more down ballot.