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Black Lawmakers Say Biden Is Messing Up His Messaging on the Economy

Biden wants to take a victory lap on the economy. Black lawmakers say doing it in the wrong way could alienate Black voters.

Raphael Warnock, Joe Biden, Sanford Bishop AP-24139607952330
President Joe Biden walks with Morehouse College alumni Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Sanford Bishop. Alex Brandon/AP

With President Joe Biden somewhat struggling with Black voters — at least compared to historical trends — Black members of Congress are trying to figure out why.

The problem, some Black lawmakers think, is Biden keeps missing the mark when it comes to messaging about the economy. Time and again, Black lawmakers have brought up an inherent tension between the Biden campaign taking credit for a stronger economy while also not making voters feel like the job is done.

The Biden campaign knows economic messaging is tricky. They want to tout their accomplishments while also being sympathetic to voters who feel the cost of living has outpaced their wages. It’s part of the reason why the Biden campaign has largely adopted the message that voters should let him “finish the job” on the economy — an acknowledgment that things aren’t perfect while also acknowledging that things are getting better.