Barack Obama has urged black men to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, emphasizing the importance of overcoming hesitation to support a woman in leadership. During an unannounced visit to a Harris campaign office in Pennsylvania, Obama expressed concern that some male voters were making excuses for not supporting Harris, suggesting that this reluctance might stem from a discomfort with the idea of a female president.
Obama, the first black president of the United States, highlighted that such hesitation appears to be particularly pronounced among black men. He pointed out that while Harris has been actively working to strengthen her ties with black voters, a recent poll by the NAACP revealed that a significant number—one in four black men under 50—would consider voting for Donald Trump over Harris.
With the election quickly approaching, Obama reinforced the necessity of unity among black voters in order to make a difference in a competitive race shaped largely by a few key battleground states. He assured voters that Harris is someone who understands their experiences and struggles, in contrast to Trump, whom he accused of showing disregard for various communities.
At the same time, some Democratic voices have raised concerns about Obama’s emphasis on the response of black men. Nina Turner, a former Bernie Sanders surrogate, criticized the lecturing of black men in a manner not applied to other voting demographics.
Obama continued to energize support for Harris at a rally in Pittsburgh, challenging Trump’s behavior and style of leadership. He urged supporters to actively participate in the electoral process, reminding them of the importance of their votes.
While Harris campaigned in Nevada focusing on Latino voter support, Trump held a rally in Detroit, Michigan. At the event, he criticized the Biden-Harris administration, claiming it was damaging the country and relying on a mix of populist rhetoric and economic policies aimed at revitalizing the auto industry. He provoked backlash from local leaders for his remarks about Detroit, with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer defending the city’s spirit and resilience.
As the campaign heats up, Trump plans to address immigration issues in Colorado and Nevada, while Harris will continue to engage voters in neighboring Arizona.