Podcast / See How They Run / Jul 13, 2024

What We Talk About When We Talk About the “Black Vote”

On this episode of See How They Run, a wide-ranging conversation with Christina Greer, Steve Phillips, and Adolph Reed Jr.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

What We Talk About When We Talk About the “Black Vote” | See How They Run
byThe Nation Magazine

On this episode of See How They Run, a wide-ranging conversation with Christina Greer, Steve Phillips, and Adolph Reed Jr.

If there's one thing everyone knows about American politics, it's that there is no way for a Democrat to win the presidency without Black voters. That's one of the reasons why, as Joe Biden fights desperately to stay in the 2024 election, he's made an aggressive effort to shore up Black support. In recent days, Biden has spoken at Black churches, given interviews to Black radio hosts, and leaned on the powerful Congressional Black Caucus to help bolster his political defenses.

But there are signs that Black voters may not be ready to turn out for Biden as fervently as he needs them to. in the past few months, polls have shown Black support for Biden slipping to levels Democrats have not seen in generations. So can Biden overcome doubts about his fitness, reverse these trends, and hold the White House? Should we even believe the polls? And are we in the middle of a historic shift in the relationship between Black voters and the Democratic Party?

To discuss all of this, D.D. Guttenplan is joined by a powerhouse trio of guests: Christina Greer, Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University; Steve Phillips, political strategist, Nation contributor, and author most recently of How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good; and Adolph Reed Jr., Nation columnist and professor emeritus of political science at the University of Pennsylvania.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Voters fill out vote-by-mail ballots at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office in October of 2020 in Orlando, Florida.

(Paul Hennessy / NurPhoto / Getty)

If there’s one thing everyone knows about American politics, it’s that there is no way for a Democrat to win the presidency without Black voters. That’s one of the reasons, as Joe Biden fights desperately to stay in the 2024 election, he’s made an aggressive effort to shore up Black support. In recent days, Biden has spoken at Black churches, given interviews to Black radio hosts, and leaned on the powerful Congressional Black Caucus to help bolster his political defenses.

But there are signs that Black voters may not be ready to turn out for Biden as fervently as he needs them to. in the past few months, polls have shown Black support for Biden slipping to levels Democrats have not seen in generations. So can Biden overcome doubts about his fitness, reverse these trends, and hold the White House? Should we even believe the polls? And are we in the middle of a historic shift in the relationship between Black voters and the Democratic Party?

To discuss all of this, D.D. Guttenplan is joined by a powerhouse trio of guests: Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University; Steve Phillips, political strategist, Nation contributor, and author most recently of How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good; and Adolph Reed Jr.,Nation columnist and professor emeritus of political science at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

Subscribe to The Nation to Support all of our podcasts

D.D. Guttenplan

D.D. Guttenplan is a special correspondent for The Nation and the former host of The Nation Podcast. He served as editor of the magazine from 2019 to 2025 and, prior to that, as an editor at large and London correspondent. His books include American Radical: The Life and Times of I.F. Stone, The Nation: A Biography, and The Next Republic: The Rise of a New Radical Majority.

More from The Nation

US President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida.

America, Israel, and the Jews (With David Klion) America, Israel, and the Jews (With David Klion)

Aaron and Matt are joined by Nation columnist David Klion to talk about the role that Israel has played in the rise of American fascism.

President Donald Trump pauses as he finishes speaking about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The Party of Chaos—With Paul Heideman The Party of Chaos—With Paul Heideman

Danny and Derek welcome writer Paul Heideman to talk about the shift of the Republican Party from the party of business interests to a fragmented, personality-driven coalition

Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

Morris Katz at Zohran Mamdani's mayoral inauguration on January 1, 2026.

What if Democrats Didn’t Suck? With Morris Katz What if Democrats Didn’t Suck? With Morris Katz

Aaron, Matt, and Jonathan are joined by authors Astra Taylor and Mark Bray for a big picture conversation about what it means to fight fascism in this historical moment.

LAPD officers arrest a protester dressed as Lady Liberty in chains following clashes near the Metropolitan Detention Center during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles on March 28, 2026.

Protest After No Kings—Plus, Abortion After “Dobbs” Protest After No Kings—Plus, Abortion After “Dobbs”

John Nichols analyzes the post–No Kings political landscape, and Amy Littlefield explains why there are more abortions now despite the restrictions.

Jon Wiener

President Donald Trump reacts during a Cabinet meeting.

Origins of the Imperial Presidency Origins of the Imperial Presidency

David Sirota on how Trump got the power of a king.

Jeet Heer

Protesters rally during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Los Angeles, California, on October 18, 2025.

No Kings Day: We Are Everywhere—Plus, Trump and Antisemitism No Kings Day: We Are Everywhere—Plus, Trump and Antisemitism

Leah Greenberg of Indivisible talks about Saturday’s No Kings demonstrations, and David Myers comments on Trump’s new attacks on Harvard and UCLA

Jon Wiener

x