President Barack Obamas push to help fellow Democrats in midterm congressional elections leans on motivating black voters, a core constituency that continues to support him even as his national approval ratings drop.
At campaign rallies over the weekend and when casting his early ballot yesterday in his home neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Obama spoke directly to black voters, who supported him in record numbers in two presidential runs but historically turn out in lower numbers for congressional elections.
I love voting. Everybody in Illinois: early vote, he said before casting his ballot at a community center thats his neighborhood polling place. These are my neighbors, Obama said before kissing an older black woman on the cheek.
The president later spent part of the afternoon doing interviews on black radio stations, a tactic he has used increasingly in recent weeks.
Obama, who canceled some recent campaign events to deal with crises at home and abroad, has focused his limited political activity this year on attending fundraisers for fellow Democrats instead of openly campaigning for them.
In the Nov. 4 election, control of the U.S. Senate is at stake, with incumbent Democrats most threatened in states where Obamas unpopular.
His appearances over the last two days were in predominantly black communities. Both Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have emphasized early voting at campaign events targeting blacks, who in many states use early voting at higher rates than other racial groups.
Folks like to complain, and talk about Washington, but if only 45, or 40 percent of the people are voting, then its not surprising that Congress is not responsive, Obama said last week on the Steve Harvey radio show. I need everybody listening to understand this is really, really important.
The results could influence Obamas final two years in office. Lower voter interest among blacks and other minority groups could make it easier for Republicans to gain control of the U.S. Senate and win competitive governors races in several states. Republicans need a net gain of six seats to have a majority in the chamber.
In 2012, 66 percent of eligible black voters cast ballots, the first time in 44 years that blacks turned out at a higher rate than whites, according to a Census Bureau report. Exit polls showed Obama took 93 percent of their votes. In non-presidential years, turnout drops for all groups. In 2010, 44 percent of black eligible voters showed up for Election Day.
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Obama Targets Black Vote in Limited Foray Into Campaign