Posted on October 17, 2020

Young Voter to Biden: “Besides, ‘You Ain’t Black,’ What Do You Have to Say to Young Black Voters?”

Caitlin O'Kane, CBS, October 15, 2020

During Joe Biden’s town hall on Thursday night, a young Black voter stood up to ask the Democratic presidential candidate about race. {snip}

{snip} “So my question for you is: Besides, ‘you ain’t Black, what do you have to say to young Black voters who see voting for you as further participation in a system that continually failed to protect them?”

{snip}

“And the next question is: Am I worthy of your vote, can I earn your vote,” Biden said. He said the answer is two things he’s demonstrated he has cared about.

“One, as in addition to dealing with criminal justice system to make it fair and more decent, we have to be able to put Black Americans in a position to be able to gain wealth, generate wealth,” Biden said.

{snip}

Aside from a teacher shortage, which leads to shortcomings in education, schools should also have social workers and school psychologists. He and the Obama administration also said provided more funding to HBCUs, guaranteed first-time homebuyers a $15,000 down payment, and helped young Black entrepreneurs get startup money.

{snip}

{snip} Biden told Humphrey if he stuck around after the televised town hall, he would tell him more. He then said it is more difficult for Black Americans to accumulate wealth because “you’re behind an eight ball,” and it is more difficult for Black Americans to get a loan from a bank.

{snip}