Sanders & the African American Vote in South Carolina

South Carolina will be an interesting primary to watch for the Democratic Party because of its relatively large African American population. Despite Bernie Sanders’ wide popularity at the polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire, he has gained weak support and acknowledge among the African American electorate. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, African Americans make up nearly 30% of the South Carolina population, and according to exit polls, they made up 55 percent of the electorate in 2008. In South Carolina, it is particularly unique to see the African American/non-white electorate spread across the state, rather than being concentrated in a few urban locations.

Despite Sanders’ endorsements from African American civil rights activist Harry Belafonte, it will be difficult for Sanders to pick up much of the African American vote, especially with Hilary Clinton’s strong ties to this black community (serving in Obama’s administration, connections through Bill Clinton. It is evident that Sanders has been making an effort to gain exposure, by quoting Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s “I Have a Dream speech” in his campaign speeches as well as focusing his instate campaign in heavily black neighborhoods.

“Irby, who moved to the area about two years ago from Detroit, said she doesn't expect her candidate to win South Carolina, or the Kingstree area. “I think he will get creamed,” she said.”

Sources:  http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-02-11/sanders-still-introducing-himself-in-south-carolina-where-black-vote-is-key

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/45000.html