Former President Barack Obama has sharply criticized his successor, Donald Trump, while encouraging Black men to support Kamala Harris during his campaign stop in Pittsburgh, marking the beginning of a tour through key swing states for the Democratic ticket.
At a campaign field office on Thursday, Obama acknowledged reports indicating a lack of enthusiasm for Harris compared to his own candidacy and expressed concern that some Black men might consider abstaining from voting. He suggested their hesitation could be linked to discomfort with the idea of a woman in power, stating, “You just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president.”
Obama condemned Trump’s behavior, asserting that belittling others is not a sign of true strength. “Putting women down? That’s not acceptable,” he emphasized, addressing voters directly.
As he launched his campaign tour less than a month before Election Day, with voting already in progress, Obama labeled Trump as out of touch and incapable of leading the nation towards progress. He referred to Trump as a “bumbling” billionaire who has spent years complaining since his initial campaign announcement.
Obama praised Harris for her dedication to advocating for marginalized communities and asserted that she is fully qualified for the presidential role. His presence in Pittsburgh was intended to galvanize support for her campaign.
With over eight years since his presidency, Obama has remained an influential figure in the Democratic Party, actively working to energize voters at pivotal moments. During his remarks, he humorously critiqued Trump’s social media presence and mentioned the various products being marketed as part of Trump’s campaign, highlighting the absurdity of “Donald Trump edition” merchandise.
As the first Black president, Obama’s endorsement of Harris underscores the significance of her candidacy as she seeks to make history as the first female president. His rallying cry, “Yes, We Can,” was creatively adapted to “Yes, She Can” during the event.
Both Harris and Trump are competing for the support of Black Americans; a recent poll indicated that 70% of Black voters view Harris favorably, with little variance between male and female voters. Conversely, Trump’s approval among Black voters remains largely negative, despite his hopes of making inroads in the community through messages focused on the economy and traditional values.
Obama recognized the struggles Americans have faced in recent years, including the ongoing challenges stemming from the pandemic. He expressed understanding of the desire for change but questioned why anyone would believe that Trump would bring about positive transformations for Pennsylvania residents.
He also criticized Trump’s statements regarding Obama’s signature healthcare policy, the Affordable Care Act, questioning Trump’s sincerity in suggesting alternative plans after attempting to dismantle it throughout his presidency.
In light of recent revelations from a federal election interference case involving Trump, Obama posed a stark question to voters: “If Donald Trump does not care that a mob might attack his own vice president, do you think he cares about you?”
Local residents at the rally expressed a mix of anxiety and hope regarding the upcoming election. One voter noted that Obama’s visibility could positively influence undecided voters, especially within the African American community.
As both Trump and Harris rally for support in Pennsylvania, a state pivotal in previous elections, Obama’s engagement is also intended to aid Senator Bob Casey’s reelection campaign against Republican challenger David McCormick.