Democrats accused Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of racism for remarks he made about 'black Americans voting at just as high a percentage as 'Americans' after their voting rights package failed to make it through the Senate.
The Kentucky Republican was asked by a reporter what his message is to voters of color who are 'concerned' that they won't be able to vote in the midterm election.
'Well, the concern is misplaced because you if you look at the statistics, African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans,' McConnell said in response.
'A recent survey, 94 percent of Americans thought it was easier to vote,' he continued. 'This is not a problem. Turnout is up, biggest turnout since 1900. It's simply — they're being sold a bill of goods.'
McConnell's phrasing was poorly received by Democrats, who insisted that he meant to 'other' black people as non-American.
Democrats accused Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of racism for remarks he made about 'black Americans voting at just as high a percentage as 'Americans'
In 2008 and 2012, the years Barack Obama was running for president, black turnout actually exceeded turnout for all Americans. In 2016 and 2020, black turnout was consistent with the U.S. average
He presumably meant that African Americans vote at the same rates as Americans overall, which is true.
In 2008 and 2012, the years Barack Obama was running for president, black turnout actually exceeded turnout for all Americans. In 2016 and 2020, black turnout was consistent with the U.S. average.
The 2020 election had some of the highest turnout of all time for all demographics. In that election, 72.6% of non-Hispanic whites cast their vote, 65.6% of non-Hispanic blacks cast their vote. Voting was much lower for Hispanics, of whom 52.6% participated in the election. Among other races (Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, etc.) 59.9% cast a vote, according to figures from the United States Election Project.
In both 2008 and 2012, more black Americans turned out to vote than white Americans - 65.2% of white voters turned out in 2008 versus 69.1%
