ATLANTA — Republicans meeting in Milwaukee have been showcasing non-white participants in a party that has traditionally relied on white voters. And they aim to try to cut into what has been a reliable Democratic constituency.
Republicans recognize that the Democratic party needs Black voters in order to win elections. And they’re going after that core constituency.
"You name it, Trump’s just a better guy right now," Horace Smith, a Black Atlantan, told 11Alive in late May.
For weeks, Black voters have told us it makes sense for them to support Donald Trump for president.
"We need Trump around here, you know? We need Trump," said Kevin Barnhill, a Black North Carolinian who flew into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport shortly after the attempt on Trump's life Saturday.
"Yeah, I’ve been a supporter of Trump," said Coldie Clements, a Black Atlantan, in May.
It’s a sentiment that breaks with tradition – where Black voters have historically helped elected Democrats like Sen. Raphael Warnock. While the success of Republicans like Gov. Brian Kemp and former President Donald Trump is driven overwhelmingly by white voters.
On Tuesday, delegates at the RNC watched a bouncy, upbeat hip-hop video praising Donald Trump.
"Going with Donald Trump, baby," a lyricist intoned. It has drawn a predictably strong share of online hecklers.
According to the Washington Times, the number of Black RNC delegates has nearly tripled since 2016 – though they’re still only about 2% of the more than 2,400 delegates in the arena.
Yet, Georgia Republican party chairman Josh McKoon said the Republicans will win if they just chip away at the traditional democratic coalition.
"We’re definitely excited to highlight the leadership roles that Black Republicans are playing in our party as we invited more Black voters to support President Trump and get involved in the Republican party," said Georgia Republican Party chairman Josh McKoon.