http://audioport.org en-us # Election 2026: Voter Suppression, Grassroots Resistance and the Battle for Political Power ### Hard Knock Radio National Politics Roundtable " Hosted by Davey D As the 2026 midterm elections approach, *Hard Knock Radio* host Davey D brought together journalist **Preach Jacobs**, **Pastor Mike McBride** of LIVE FREE and the Black Church PAC, **Dr. Melina Abdullah** of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, and California organizer **Sloane** for a wide-ranging discussion about the national political landscape. The conversation examined voter suppression, redistricting, political intimidation and growing frustration with Democratic Party leadership. Jacobs highlighted pivotal races in South Carolina, including Dr. Jermaine Johnson's gubernatorial campaign, and described how Black college students in North Carolina marched long distances to vote after polling locations on their campuses were eliminated. McBride pointed to increased political participation among younger Black voters, even as he criticized establishment Democrats for failing to adequately support grassroots candidates and voter protection efforts. Abdullah warned about the criminalization of activists, political retaliation and the dangers of relying exclusively on electoral politics to bring meaningful change. Drawing inspiration from Fannie Lou Hamer and the Black Panther Party, she emphasized the importance of voting while continuing to organize in the streets and within communities. Sloane described growing enthusiasm among younger voters in Oakland and throughout California, where ballot parties and community gatherings are helping people understand elections and their political rights. Throughout the roundtable, Davey D challenged guests to consider why political parties mobilize communities during election season but often fail to maintain that engagement afterward. The discussion underscored a central theme: **lasting political power requires more than winning elections. It demands sustained organizing, political education, community accountability and grassroots movements that remain active year-round.** ### 5 Key Takeaways 1. **Voter suppression remains a major concern.** Redistricting, eliminated polling locations, voter identification requirements and fears of intimidation at polling places are creating obstacles, particularly for Black communities in the South. 2. **Young Black voters are organizing despite the obstacles.** From HBCU students marching to polling stations to young organizers hosting ballot parties in Oakland, guests described growing political engagement that challenges narratives of widespread voter apathy. 3. **Democratic Party leadership faces criticism from grassroots organizers.** Panelists questioned why establishment Democrats devote significant resources to fundraising and internal political disputes while progressive candidates and community-based voter protection efforts struggle for support. 4. **Political intimidation extends beyond the ballot box.** Abdullah and McBride raised concerns about investigations, arrests, policing and legal actions involving Black elected officials and activists. They argued that these developments must be understood alongside broader struggles over voting rights and political participation. 5. **Voting is only one part of building political power.** Echoing Fannie Lou Hamer's legacy and the Black Panther Party's commitment to political education, guests emphasized the importance of organizing beyond Election Day. Community gatherings, independent political education and sustained accountability were presented as ways to turn temporary electoral enthusiasm into lasting civic engagement. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Pacifica Audioport Podcast Generator mrdaveyd@gmail.com (Davey D/Hard Knock Radio) omaclay@gmail.com (Audioport Admin) Mon, 26 Oct 2026 01:00:00 EDT mrdaveyd@gmail.com (Davey D/Hard Knock Radio) Mon, 26 Oct 2026 01:00:00 EDT http://audioport.org/index.php?op=program-info&program_id=340412 http://audioport.org/index.php?op=program-info&program_id=340412&file_id=384574 # Election 2026: Voter Suppression, Grassroots Resistance and the Battle for Political Power ### Hard Knock Radio National Politics Roundtable " Hosted by Davey D As the 2026 midterm elections approach, *Hard Knock Radio* host Davey D brought together journalist **Preach Jacobs**, **Pastor Mike McBride** of LIVE FREE and the Black Church PAC, **Dr. Melina Abdullah** of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, and California organizer **Sloane** for a wide-ranging discussion about the national political landscape. The conversation examined voter suppression, redistricting, political intimidation and growing frustration with Democratic Party leadership. Jacobs highlighted pivotal races in South Carolina, including Dr. Jermaine Johnson's gubernatorial campaign, and described how Black college students in North Carolina marched long distances to vote after polling locations on their campuses were eliminated. McBride pointed to increased political participation among younger Black voters, even as he criticized establishment Democrats for failing to adequately support grassroots candidates and voter protection efforts. Abdullah warned about the criminalization of activists, political retaliation and the dangers of relying exclusively on electoral politics to bring meaningful change. Drawing inspiration from Fannie Lou Hamer and the Black Panther Party, she emphasized the importance of voting while continuing to organize in the streets and within communities. Sloane described growing enthusiasm among younger voters in Oakland and throughout California, where ballot parties and community gatherings are helping people understand elections and their political rights. Throughout the roundtable, Davey D challenged guests to consider why political parties mobilize communities during election season but often fail to maintain that engagement afterward. The discussion underscored a central theme: **lasting political power requires more than winning elections. It demands sustained organizing, political education, community accountability and grassroots movements that remain active year-round.** ### 5 Key Takeaways 1. **Voter suppression remains a major concern.** Redistricting, eliminated polling locations, voter identification requirements and fears of intimidation at polling places are creating obstacles, particularly for Black communities in the South. 2. **Young Black voters are organizing despite the obstacles.** From HBCU students marching to polling stations to young organizers hosting ballot parties in Oakland, guests described growing political engagement that challenges narratives of widespread voter apathy. 3. **Democratic Party leadership faces criticism from grassroots organizers.** Panelists questioned why establishment Democrats devote significant resources to fundraising and internal political disputes while progressive candidates and community-based voter protection efforts struggle for support. 4. **Political intimidation extends beyond the ballot box.** Abdullah and McBride raised concerns about investigations, arrests, policing and legal actions involving Black elected officials and activists. They argued that these developments must be understood alongside broader struggles over voting rights and political participation. 5. **Voting is only one part of building political power.** Echoing Fannie Lou Hamer's legacy and the Black Panther Party's commitment to political education, guests emphasized the importance of organizing beyond Election Day. Community gatherings, independent political education and sustained accountability were presented as ways to turn temporary electoral enthusiasm into lasting civic engagement.