Former US President Barack Obama criticized Donald Trump as “crazy” on Thursday and encouraged voters to support Kamala Harris during his first appearance on the 2024 election campaign trail.
Speaking in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, Obama addressed Black male voters, suggesting that their hesitance to support Harris stems from discomfort with the idea of having a woman president.
During a lively rally in Pittsburgh, Obama targeted Trump, likening his lengthy speeches to those of the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro and claiming that Trump is disconnected from everyday Americans.
Acknowledging the competitiveness of the upcoming election amidst high inflation, Obama questioned why anyone would believe that Trump could bring about change, jokingly asking, “You think Donald Trump ever changed a diaper?”
He described Trump’s plan to sell bibles as “crazy” and criticized the former president for his embrace of conspiracy theories, encouraging the crowd to vote instead of booing.
Obama praised Harris, stating, “Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been.” His appearance was intended to galvanize support for her campaign in Pennsylvania.
Addressing male voters who might be drawn to Trump’s bravado, Obama emphasized that true strength is not shown through bullying or putting others down. He also made a direct appeal to Black men, expressing concern about their support for Harris.
While Obama campaigned in Pennsylvania, Harris was engaged with voters in Nevada and Arizona, focusing on outreach to Latino communities. When asked during a town hall about Trump’s virtues, she acknowledged his love for his family but stated, “I don’t really know him, to be honest with you.”
In Arizona, she spoke about the federal response to Hurricane Milton, stating that the government has deployed thousands of personnel for recovery efforts.
Trump campaigned in Michigan, unveiling protectionist plans for the US auto industry and personally attacking Harris, calling her “dumber than hell” and critiquing Detroit’s economic state.
Harris announced her participation in a CNN town hall in Pennsylvania on October 23, criticizing Trump for declining a second debate with her. She remarked that his refusal is a disservice to the voters and reflects poorly on him.
Democrats are optimistic that Obama’s support for Harris will boost her campaign as polling shows a close race with Trump following a surge in her numbers after becoming the party’s nominee in July. Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama had previously received enthusiastic responses for their speeches endorsing Harris at the Democratic National Convention in August.