Ratio Alert: Harris’s “Opportunity Agenda” for Black Men Obliterated
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Key Takeaways
- The Harris campaign rolls out an “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” getting immediately ratioed on X amid widespread criticism.
- Most voters criticize the proposal as racial pandering and empty promises, with many imploring Harris to focus on improving her immigration policy.
- Both black and non-black voters are reacting negatively, saying the proposal racially discriminates and likely violates laws and the Constitution.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters, Black Voters
Sample Size
16,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
1 Day
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s released an "Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” drawing a swift ratio from X users reacting with incredulity. Less than 24 hours after posting the proposal, it had 23 million views, 35,000 replies, and only 28,000 likes.
Black men deserve a president who cares about making their lives better. pic.twitter.com/cUCdsvvYZ6
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 15, 2024
In the proposal, Harris promises to:
- Give black men “fully forgivable” $20k loans.
- Provide “pathways to become teachers.”
- Protect the cryptocurrency investments of black men.
- Create a “national health initiative.”
- Legalize marijuana.
Most voters react to the proposal as racial pandering and empty promises, further damaging Harris’s image with the very group she’s attempting to court.
- 67% of voters distrust Harris's motives, calling the agenda empty pandering.
- 38% specifically criticize race-based crypto protections.
- 60% of non-black voters say Harris should focus on fixing her immigration policies before pandering to black men.
- 15% are cautiously optimistic but demanding more transparency.
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Following Harris debuting the Opportunity Agenda, voter sentiment toward her dropped noticeably.
- Harris’s overall sentiment in the last seven days averaged 43%, dropping to 42% today.
- Specifically, sentiment on the economy dropped from 43% a week ago to 41% today and racial issues dropped from a high of 45% in the last week to a drastic 34% today.
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Disingenuous Racial Politics
During the 2024 campaign season, Harris has been known for either remaining vague on her policy positions, piggybacking on Trump-Vance proposals like “No Tax on Tips” and child tax credits, or pandering with grandiose promises.
Harris’s Opportunity Agenda fits into this pattern, promising forgivable loans to black entrepreneurs and cryptocurrency protections specifically for black men. These, many say, are both incredible racial pandering and potentially illegal.
Around 67% of voters reacting are skeptical about Harris’s motivations with the proposal—this is supported by the glaring ratio on her rollout post. People point to her record as California's Attorney General, where she failed to deliver on promises related to criminal justice reform and economic empowerment. Many black voters echo sentiments like, "You are only 'supporting' Black men because you need votes."
The proposal also gained a slew of memes, mocking what many view as disingenuous and infantilizing promises to black voters.
— AtBrightone 📈 🐢 (@Atbrightone) October 15, 2024
Harris Finally Gets Specific on Policy, Too Specific
The proposal to forgive loans for black entrepreneurs and regulate cryptocurrency markets are particular points of ire for many online. Nearly 40% of those discussing the proposal specifically mention their criticism for race-specific provisions in cryptocurrency. And even more are reacting to race-restricted forgivable loans.
— The Right To Bear Memes (@grandoldmemes) October 15, 2024
Many voters view this proposal as part of a broader trend in the Democratic Party of focusing on specific groups rather than addressing the needs of nation holistically. Critics view these promises as merely symbolic, with little bearing on the real economic struggles black men, and all Americans, face.
Conservatives also argue Harris’s focus on niche financial reforms—like protections for black men in cryptocurrency —swings too far in the opposite direction from her typical evasion when asked about policy specifics.
People say things like, "Why is crypto suddenly a priority for black men when inflation is through the roof?" Voters express frustration that Biden-Harris policies have created the economic situation and skyrocketing inflation that Americans find themselves in. They view meager promises like “protecting crypto” as completely meaningless amid looming economic strain.
Legal Concerns and Unconstitutionality
The loudest outcry against the Opportunity Agenda is against forgivable loans for black entrepreneurs, which raises legal concerns about discrimination and the Constitution. Thousands of voters push back, suggesting racial policies like these probably violate anti-discrimination laws or violate the Constitution.
Also unconstitutional https://t.co/O7q6irT2UT
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) October 15, 2024
While Harris and her supporters argue targeted programs are necessary to correct racial injustice, most Americans, including some black voters, say Harris wants to undermine equality under the law. Many point out that implementing such a racial policy would likely open up a Harris-Walz administration to lawsuits and harsh public backlash.
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Immigration Overshadows Opportunity
In response to the Opportunity Agenda, many people bring up Harris’s broader track record—particularly on immigration. As the Biden administration’s "border czar," Harris faces fierce criticism for allowing an unchecked stream of illegal immigrants, including gangs, murderers, and rapists into the country.
Around 60% of non-black voters are angry about Harris’s lack of urgency over the border. They say the influx of illegal immigrants which strains American communities like Aurora, CO and Springfield, MI are more damaging to black communities than the problems which the Opportunity Agenda would attempt to solve.
Voters are frustrated that Harris is focusing on race-specific economic initiatives while neglecting critical national concerns like border security. They say her failures undermine any credibility she may have in addressing the economic challenges facing black men.
"Mass immigration does not contribute to the dreams and aspirations of Black Americans," one comment states, condemning Harris for making future promises while failing to solve current problems within her control as the sitting Vice President.
The Hollow Promises of the Democratic Party
Voters view Harris’s Opportunity Agenda as just the latest disposable promise made by Democrats to the black community—most of which go unfulfilled. A dramatic 67% of voters doubt Harris’s ability to deliver, questioning her sincerity. Black voters particularly are weary of politicians making grand promises during election cycles but reneging once in office.
This growing disillusionment among black voters is consistent with recent MIG Reports analysis showing Trump gaining with minorities. These voters are beginning to view Harris’s policies as token gestures rather than meaningful reforms.
In the first day after debuting the plan, Harris’s Opportunity Agenda has decisively been shot down by voters who question her authenticity and competence. Legal concerns about discrimination, continued disapproval about identity politics, and her administration’s failures on economic and immigration issues all suggest Harris is failing to make inroads with any American men.
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