Chicagoans Weigh In on Presidential Race, Express Mixed Opinions on Trump and Harris

Voters on Chicago's South Side offer diverse views on the 2024 presidential candidates, with some Black voters strongly supporting former President Trump and others expressing support for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Chicago, Illinois - In the former backyard of President Barack Obama, voters shared varied opinions on the upcoming 2024 presidential race during exclusive interviews with Fox News Digital on the South Side of Chicago amidst the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Notably, several Black voters expressed emphatic support for former President Donald Trump, suggesting that his recent rise in Black support is genuine.

Lavar Williams, a lifelong Chicago resident, declared himself a "Trump fan." He praised the former president's lack of perceived restraints and his economic acumen. "I loved when he was in office," Williams said, dismissing the notion that life was better under Trump solely because of his race.

Chicagoans Weigh In on Presidential Race, Express Mixed Opinions on Trump and Harris

Despite being aware of Vice President Harris's role in the Biden administration, Williams was skeptical of her ability to separate herself from unpopular policies. "You was the vice president, so everything this man did, you was approving of, everything that's going on now, you was approving of, so why am I going to vote for you?" he questioned.

Navy veteran and property owner Billy Johnson expressed indecision about his vote but praised Trump's economic record while criticizing Harris's perceived dangerousness. "That lady is dangerous," Johnson said, citing her potential access to sensitive information.

Chicagoans Weigh In on Presidential Race, Express Mixed Opinions on Trump and Harris

Johnson also praised Trump's business experience, stating that "Trump, he's a genius when it comes down to finance." However, he stopped short of endorsing Trump's return to the Oval Office.

Immigration was a key concern for Johnson, who criticized the Biden administration's handling of illegal immigration and its provision of benefits to noncitizens. "Those opportunities were supposed to be given to citizens first – not immigrants," he argued.

Chicagoans Weigh In on Presidential Race, Express Mixed Opinions on Trump and Harris

Z-Best catering owner Nas expressed dissatisfaction with Harris's past policies on marijuana enforcement. He also claimed that crime had worsened under the Biden administration compared to Trump's presidency. "I feel like he has done a better job than Biden has for sure," Nas said.

Johnny Williams, speaking near Louis Farrakhan's Nation of Islam house, declared his support for Trump, citing financial prosperity during his presidency. "When he was in the election we was eating," Williams said.

Chicagoans Weigh In on Presidential Race, Express Mixed Opinions on Trump and Harris

In contrast, Betty Thompson from the Bronzeville neighborhood announced her decision to vote for Harris. "I think that she's wonderful with speaking out. And truly, she is the only one that I have seen... that is truly qualified to be president of the United States," Thompson said.

Another South Side voter, who remained anonymous, referred to Trump as "crooked" and a "felon." "I don't want no crooked person in office," the man said.

Chicagoans Weigh In on Presidential Race, Express Mixed Opinions on Trump and Harris

Candy Shane, a Jefferson Park resident, expressed support for Trump, praising his efforts to help various communities and his honesty. "He's 100% honest," Shane said. "And I like that. He is himself."

Despite Harris's endorsement by high-profile Democrats and her scheduled speech at the DNC, left-wing protesters have denounced the event and her candidacy over the Biden administration's handling of the war in Israel. Protests and arrests have marked the DNC as activists criticize Harris's involvement in the Middle East conflict.

Chicagoans Weigh In on Presidential Race, Express Mixed Opinions on Trump and Harris