Hillary Clinton faces battle to get out black vote
Evidence of voter apathy among black communities in crucial swing state North Carolina is worrying for Hillary Clinton.
Monday 7 November 2016 08:06, UK
Ty Turner's vote should be one Hillary Clinton could rely on.
He's a 35-year-old black man who voted for Barack Obama in 2008 - part of a key demographic which the Democrats have for decades taken for granted.
But the presenter on a North Carolina hip-hop station is backing Donald Trump.
He told Sky News: "In the black community it was like it was treason that I wasn't voting Democrat. It is as if people are programmed to feel that is how they should vote.
"But Donald Trump this time round is the person who is inspiring. He is different."
Ty is in a very small minority. The vast majority of African Americans lean Democrat - but in North Carolina a small minority could make all the difference.
"Barack Obama won in 2008 with just two votes per precinct," said Mary Smith, a 69-year-old volunteer who is going door-to-door trying to get out every vote possible for the Democratic candidate.
"Obama lost in 2012 by 17 votes per precinct. People have to vote."
In truth, it isn't switchers like Ty she is worried about, it is it is the people who switch off. Apathy among black voters is a real danger to numbers.
Mary said: "This right here could be win or lose the election and I don't want losing the election to be on North Carolina's back. Everyone should feel that way. I mean people should get out there and vote."
Mrs Clinton's most powerful surrogate with black voters - Mr Obama - has been deployed to North Carolina repeatedly but the President who offered so much hope eight years ago is pushing against a background ground of frustration and cynicism within the black community.
Just weeks ago thousands took to the streets in Charlotte after a black man, Keith Lamont Scott, was shot dead by police - events which prompted nine-year-old Zianna Oliphant to make an emotional address to local officials which went viral.
In it she said sobbing: "We are black people and we shouldn't have to feel like this. We shouldn't have to protest because you are all treating us wrong."
We met her with her mother Precious, who told us she was shocked to learn how deeply affected her daughter was by what happened.
As an African-American woman she feels let down by the justice system but she insists the answer is not to give up on voting.
She said: "I am not so enthused about voting this election but at this point I know I cannot sit at home and forfeit my right to vote.
"I would pick Hillary Clinton because I don't like Donald Trump, how he is picking on people. I would say vote for Clinton. I would never want Donald Trump to win."
And that is the message that Hillary Clinton is hoping will resonate with African-American voters who could really influence the result in a state she desperately wants to win, but which Donald Trump has to win if he is to have any chance of getting to the White House.
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