Key Highlights
- Barack Obama criticizes Black male voters for lack of enthusiasm in supporting Kamala Harris.
- Emphasizes the importance of unity and dismisses "excuses" in voter turnout.
- Points out Trump’s disregard for Black communities while highlighting Harris’ commitment.
- Recent polls show Harris leading, but some Black men still favor Trump.
On Thursday, October 10, former U.S. President Barack Obama took to the campaign trail in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, urging Black men to increase their support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the ongoing US Presidential election.
Speaking at a rally aimed at mobilizing Black voters, Obama emphasized the need for unity, dismissing what he described as "excuses" that some Black men are making for not supporting Harris. His remarks aimed to galvanize voter enthusiasm as the election date draws closer.
Addressing the crowd at Fitzgerald Field House, Obama stressed that turnout levels among Black communities, particularly Black men, were not matching the energy seen during his 2008 campaign.
“We have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running,” he stated. He continued, “That seems to be more pronounced with the brothers.”
Obama expressed concern over the hesitation of some Black men to support Harris, suggesting it may stem from an underlying discomfort with the idea of a woman president.
“You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses,” Obama said. “It makes me think that you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives for that.”
Obama Highlights Contrast Between Harris and Trump
As the US Presidential election heats up, Barack Obama used the opportunity to draw a sharp contrast between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, urging Black men to recognize who truly supports their communities.
Obama pointed to Trump’s track record, criticizing his disregard for the needs of Black Americans. “You’re thinking about sitting out or supporting somebody who has a history of denigrating you because you think that’s a sign of strength, because that’s what being a man is?” Obama challenged the audience. “Putting women down? That’s not acceptable.”
Obama framed Harris as a candidate who understands the struggles faced by Black communities. He highlighted her upbringing, stating, “She’s somebody who grew up like you.”
He further stressed that women have consistently supported Black men, both in personal and political spheres. “Women in our lives have been getting our backs this entire time,” he said, emphasizing that when societal systems fail, it’s often women who take action through protests and advocacy.
In an attempt to rally the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, Obama appealed to residents to vote for Harris and other Democratic candidates, such as Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey.
“We need a president who actually cares about solving problems and making your life better, and that’s what Kamala Harris will do,” Obama asserted.
Polling Data Shows Divided Support Among Black Men
Polling data reveals a complex picture of support among Black voters in the US Presidential election.
An AP-NORC poll released earlier this week showed that while Harris has a strong backing overall, with 65% of registered Black voters supporting her, the number drops slightly when focusing solely on Black male voters. Around 21% of Black men expressed their support for Trump, highlighting a gap Obama aims to close.
Similarly, a poll conducted by the NAACP in August indicated that while 63% of Black voters plan to vote for Harris, the number dips to 49% among Black men under 50 years old. This demographic gap has become a focal point for Obama’s campaign efforts.
“I understand people feeling frustrated,” Obama acknowledged. “We can do better. But what I cannot understand is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you.”
Obama’s remarks highlight his continued efforts to galvanize Black male voters and to shift the narrative in Harris’ favor. His presence on the campaign trail, especially in a crucial state like Pennsylvania, is part of the broader Democratic strategy to mobilize all voter demographics and secure a victory.
Final Notes
As the US Presidential election approaches, Barack Obama’s call for Black men to support Kamala Harris is a critical moment in the Democratic campaign.
Obama’s passionate plea highlights the importance of voter turnout and unity, emphasizing the need for Black men to recognize the stakes in this election.
With polling data showing mixed levels of support, Obama’s message shows the urgency of mobilizing every voter to ensure a Democratic victory.