An undecided African-American voter at Thursday night’s town hall asked Joe Biden what his message is for young black voters “besides ‘you ain’t black.'”
The man was identified as Cedric Humphrey, a progressive Democrat.
“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 fails to protect them?” Humphrey said.
The subtle jab was in reference to Biden’s controversial comments in which he told radio host Charlamagne Tha God that anyone struggling to decide between him and President Trump in the general election “ain’t black.”
“I tell you if you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black,” Biden said at the time.
Young African-American voter to Joe Biden:
“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 fails to protect them?” pic.twitter.com/acT4UWxUwe
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 16, 2020
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Biden Responds After ‘You Ain’t Black’ Jab
Humphrey also noted during his questioning that millennials in the black community could be the ones who swing the election.
“Many people believe that the true swing demographic in this election will be Black voters under the age of 30,” he said.
“Not because they’ll be voting for Trump, but because they won’t vote at all.”
Biden struggled to focus with his response, engaging in a long meandering explanation of why black voters should show up for him.
A young Black man asked Biden what he has to say to young Black voters besides ‘you aint black.’
Biden delivering a VERY long answer about education, racial wealth inequality, housing in equality, etc… George S had to cut him off… the guy does not look convinced
— Charlotte Alter (@CharlotteAlter) October 16, 2020
The former Vice President launched into a lengthy monologue about racism and wealth inequality.
“It’s about accumulating wealth,” he replied at one point.
“And it’s very – you’re behind an eight ball. The vast majority of people of color are behind an eight ball.”
“Besides YOU AINT BLACK what do you have to say to young Black voters-“ #BidenTownHall pic.twitter.com/cEX8amDwTu
— Virginia’s Very Own (@Dvrryl2times) October 16, 2020
Biden encouraged young black voters to vote for him citing the words of civil rights icon John Lewis.
“As my buddy John Lewis said, it’s a sacred opportunity, the right to vote,” he explained. “You can make a difference.”
“If young Black women and men vote, you can determine the outcome of this election. Not a joke.”
I want to hug the hell out of this guy! He just stood up + asked Joe, “besides ‘you ain’t black’, what do you say to the many black men + women who are thinking about sitting this election out”?
(Joe proceeded to explain his plan for Pre-K + home-buyers). pic.twitter.com/Rs1TE5i1yV— SavageJoyMarieMann ? (@SavageJoyMarie1) October 16, 2020
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Town Hall Question Shows Black Voters Still Skeptical
Humphrey’s question seems to indicate young black voters won’t soon forget Biden’s “you ain’t black” insult to those who don’t support him.
Perhaps they also recall past comments he’s made about how Republicans would put blacks “back in chains.”
Or perhaps, as demonstrated by this young man’s comments, they’re a little irked with being spoken down to.
Senator Tim Scott ripped Biden’s ‘you ain’t black’ statement as the “most arrogant, condescending” comments he’s ever heard.
Scott (R-SC) noted that Biden is “the man who sponsored and led the charge on the 1990s crime bill that jailed more African-American males than any other legislation.”
Robert Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television, responded to the comments by blasting Democrats for thinking they “own” black people and that they “can take [them] for granted.”
Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, weighed in on the topic shortly after Biden’s racially charged comments.
“You look at somebody who’s Black and you think you know what they think, or you at least think you know what they ought to think,” she said.
During this portion of the town hall, moderator George Stephanopoulus had to step in during Biden’s long-winded reply.
“Did you hear what you need to hear?” he asked the young man.
“Um, I think so,” Humphrey replied.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
