Article snippet: 2020 Democratic presidential candidate MORE this week released an extensive plan aimed at alleviating the effects of “systemic racism” — but whether it can also lift his standing with black voters will be the key political question. Buttigieg, the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Ind., has risen to prominence from relative obscurity since launching his campaign in mid-April. In national polls, he is almost always behind the Big Four — former Vice President MORE (N.Y.). A major barrier for Buttigieg if he is seeking to become a serious contender for the nomination is his lack of support among black voters. In two recent polls, from the Economist and Quinnipiac University, respectively, he scored 5 percent and 4 percent support among all Democrats but 1 percent and zero percent among black Democrats. “I have not spoken to one African American who believes that any of his actions, or inactions, are malicious,” said Joel Payne, a Democratic strategist unaligned with any 2020 candidate. “I think it would be best described as a blind spot.” Buttigieg will be hoping that his new plan released Thursday, named The Douglass Plan after the iconic 19th century black leader Frederick Douglass, will help demonstrate that he has a real awareness of how racial disparities roil the nation — and concrete proposals to do something about them. The plan is lengthy and specific. It includes proposals on criminal justice — where Buttigieg proposes to eliminate federal jail time for dru... Link to the full article to read more