Mitt Romney's Black Leadership Council Aims To Woo African-American Voters

With election day less than two months away, both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have kicked into full gear on the campaign trail. While the president enjoys a post-convention bump in popularity, Romney has some ground to cover with voters--especially the African American ones.

Shortly after a poll revealed that the Republican presidential candidate is capturing zero percent of the black vote, he announced a Black Leadership Council to help him appeal to minorities. The Council roster touts major figures who have already made waves at the Republican National Convention, including former congressman and Obama-supporter Artur Davis, Utah Congressional Candidate Mia Love, and Representative Allen West, who serves as a council chair.

“I am proud to have the endorsements of so many leaders in the black community,” Romney said in a press release. “They know all too well that the economic downturn that has continued to hammer our country has been even more devastating for black Americans. Together, we will work to end that downturn, and we will not rest until all Americans have the jobs they need, the quality education they are owed, and the opportunities they deserve.”

Romney's woes with black voters isn't new. The GOP nominee was famously booed during an NAACP speech in July. An NAACP official later alleged that Romney flew in African American supporters to sweeten the audience. To add insult to injury, his campaign later released an edited video giving the impression that he was warmly received at the civil rights groups' annual convention.

There's no doubt Romney hopes to turn a corner with black voters as election season winds down, but the question is, will he be able to? Share your thoughts on what you think Romney needs to do to win the black vote in the comments section.