South Carolina Representative James Clyburn expressed his concerns on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, revealing a worrisome trend in voter sentiment among black men. When asked about the issue by host Dana Bash, Clyburn candidly acknowledged his concerns about black men potentially voting for former President Donald Trump or staying home from the polls.
Bash highlighted a statement made by Clyburn’s colleague, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who had noted that black men were expressing frustration with the Democratic Party, feeling that they are taken for granted, while Trump’s direct appeal to them was resonating. Clyburn confirmed that he shared these concerns, stating, “Yes, I am concerned about black men staying home or voting for Trump.” However, he emphasized that his concerns did not dampen his enthusiasm for the campaign.
Clyburn shared his recent experiences campaigning in Michigan with Dingell, where he engaged with black men, religious leaders, and union representatives. He described the discussions as “frank and direct,” and acknowledged that black men were seeking clarity on what they could expect from a Harris administration. In contrast, Clyburn highlighted the stark differences between the Democratic and Republican agendas, specifically referencing Project 2025, a policy initiative that he claimed would be a “full-blown” aspect of Trump’s administration. Clyburn had previously described Project 2025 as “Jim Crow 2.0,” a notion that he reiterated on the show, warning of a return to discriminatory practices.
