NAACP Reflects on First 2024 Presidential Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 28, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON – Thursday evening, presidential candidates, Joseph R. Biden Jr., (D) and Donald Trump (R) met for the first debate ahead of the November elections. This debate offered a crucial opportunity for both candidates to display their dedication to prioritizing substantive solutions to the most pressing concerns for Black America. 

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson shared the following reaction:

"Last night's debate made one thing clear - there is much work to be done. For over a century, the NAACP has worked tirelessly to ensure Black voices are heard in every election. This year is no different. The topics from this evening's debate including health care, reproductive rights and debt relief, made it clear why it is imperative to elect leaders capable of taking decisive action to address the issues of importance to the Black community. Ahead of our 115th National Convention this July, we have extended an invitation to both candidates to present their plans to advance solutions through substantive policy platforms. It is crucial that any candidate seeking votes from our community conveys genuine commitment to our progress. The success or failure of our democracy's advancement is at stake. Let's focus on attacking the issues, not each other."

Key takeaways from last night's debate include:

• There is no such thing as a "Black job." Provided the opportunity, Black Americans excel across industries and professions. We need candidates who are going to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, not attempt to mischaracterize Black workers as anything but American workers. 
• Every American deserves the opportunity to compete in the global economy. For decades, exorbitant debts incurred at the hands of predatory debtors have tightened their grip on our communities, putting Black America in a chokehold. While the $160 billion+ relief granted in the past four years is a start, we demand long-term solutions to advancing equitable outcomes with a focus on affordable education for all. 
• The 'War on Drugs' was a war on Black America, fueling much of the police violence and mass incarceration we continue to face today. The decriminalization of cannabis and pardons for crack cocaine convictions are a first step, but there is more work to be done to right the wrongs of the past. Any candidate seeking Black votes must prioritize the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the rescheduling of cannabis. 
• Healthcare is a human right. From the Medicaid unwinding crisis to the continued attacks on reproductive healthcare, Black Americans are forced to bear the brunt of politicized agendas that undermine our access to quality, affordable healthcare. Black America demands a candidate that acknowledges our reality and plans to advance, not regress equitable healthcare outcomes. 

For over a century, the NAACP has worked to educate, engage, and mobilize one of the largest and most influential voting blocs in our nation. This election season, we are investing millions of dollars directly in our communities to ensure Black America is prepared to cast effective ballots in November.

For more information on our voter mobilization work, please visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.