The problem(s) with McConnell's line on African-American voting rates

"Well, the concern is misplaced, because if you look at the statistics, African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans."

At face value, the comments were controversial for an obvious reason: The Senate GOP leader seemed to suggest that he sees a distinction between Americans and African Americans. It was reminiscent of the time National Review published an item on then-President Barack Obama's popularity in 2009,that his"sky-high ratings among African-Americans make some of his positions appear a bit more popular overall than they actually are.

But if we're generous and give McConnell the benefit of the doubt, it's likely that he meant Black voters participate in elections at roughly the same rate as American averages overall.With the exception of 2008 and 2012, Black turnout and Hispanic turnout have consistently been below White turnout. Saying that Black turnout aligns with the national level ignores that disparity.

Complicating matters is the Republican's retrospective perspective in self-defeating ways. Indeed, after making his controversial comments, McConnell added,"A recent survey, 94 percent of Americans thought it was easier to vote. This is not a problem. Turnout is up, biggest turnout since 1900. It's simply — they're being sold a bill of goods."

The poll he referenced exists: The Pew Research Center really did find that 94 percent of American voters described voting as easy in the 2020 cycle.

MaddowBlog The media also reinforces the nonsense by rebroadcasting and dissecting the statement! African Americans voters ....blah blah blah just like the Americans. Really well said! MitchPlease

MaddowBlog white power...

MaddowBlog Mitch McConnell statements show that most Republican's think that US citizens of color or black are different from white Americans as he and his party block voter protection legislation. Just what does his party accomplish to help average citizens No answers forthcoming

MaddowBlog This man needs to be removed from office immediately for code of conduct, and moral standard! His lack of understanding, and leadership has now been placed in question! Time for him to go, period!

MaddowBlog McConnell confirmed what we all already knew. They are blocking voting rights because they're racist and still think it's 1964. McConnell needs to step down and the racist Senate Swamp needs to be drained FAST. How many are involved in Jan6 coup?

MaddowBlog There would be no America that we know today if it wasn't for the African American joining that Civil War that America was losing to the Confederates. We are Americans and we fought for it.

MaddowBlog Total evil.

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