The founder of BET sat down with President-elect Donald Trump over the weekend and now says black Americans should give him “the benefit of the doubt” once he takes office.
Bob Johnson met with the upcoming 45th U.S. commander in chief on Sunday at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Mr. Johnson then told CNBC that Mr. Trump’s business acumen may provide black communities a unique opportunity over the next four years — if they give him a chance.
“Trump is a business guy, and I think he’s going to tilt towards finding [a] way to use fiscal policy … to move the economy forward,” Mr. Johnson said Monday. “Let’s give him a shot. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt; see if we can find common ground. That’s what’s best for African-Americans.”
Mr Johnson added that “permanent interests” for the black community should keep it from collectively attaching itself to one political party or seeing another as an enemy.
The BET founder’s thoughts appear to have been shared by millions of black voters on Election Day. Pew Research Center found that failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton squandered the 87-point lead President Obama had against former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in 2012.
“Clinton held an 80-point advantage among blacks (88% to 8%) compared with Obama’s 87-point edge four years ago (93% to 6%). In 2008, Obama had a 91-point advantage among blacks,” Pew reported on Nov. 9.
“What the hell do you have to lose?” Mr. Trump asked black voters during a speech in Dimondale, Michigan, on Aug. 19.
The billionaire won Michigan by just over 13,000 votes on Election Day.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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