Washington: Donald Trump made a pitch to African-American voters on Tuesday, saying Democrats had “betrayed” them and pledged he would revitalise impoverished urban communities.
His comments at a rally in the Midwestern state of Wisconsin came as something of a surprise from the Republican candidate who until now has done little to endear himself to minorities.
“I’m asking for the vote of every African- American citizen struggling in our country today who wants a different and much better future. It’s time for our society to address some honest and very, very difficult truths.
“The Democratic Party has failed and betrayed the African-American community,” the presidential nominee said.
He said Democrats have “taken the votes of African-Americans for granted. They just assume they’ll get your support and done nothing in return for it”, he said.
Trump’s outreach to black voters came after he said earlier on Tuesday that he would reject bigotry “in all forms” if elected.
“I will fight to ensure that every American is treated equally, protected and honored equally,” Trump said in a statement posted on Facebook. “We will reject bigotry and hatred and oppression in all its forms.”
overhaul
Trump has again shaken up his senior campaign staff, appointing a conservative website executive and a pollster to head his team amid sinking poll numbers, news reports early Wednesday said.
Stephen Bannon, executive chairman of the influential Breitbart News site, will serve as the campaign’s chief executive.
Trump senior advisor Kellyanne Conway, a longtime Republican pollster, will become campaign manager.
Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman who in recent days has come under scrutiny for his links to the pro-Russia former president of Ukraine, will remain in his current role, the reports said.
“I want to win,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday night after disclosing the staffing changes. “That’s why I’m bringing on fantastic people.”
