Former President Barack Obama on Thursday urged Black men to support Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, emphasizing that it is “not acceptable” for them to abstain from voting and suggesting that hesitation may stem from her being a woman.
Obama made these comments during an unexpected visit to a Harris campaign office in Pittsburgh, where he called attention to a noticeable lack of enthusiasm for Harris’ campaign, particularly among Black men. He pointed out that some might consider supporting former President Donald Trump, despite his history of disrespecting Black individuals, as a misguided sense of strength. “That’s not acceptable,” he declared.
He argued that the reluctance to support a female candidate may be based on underlying sexism. “You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses; I’ve got a problem with that,” Obama remarked, addressing men directly.
As Harris aims to energize Black male voters for the upcoming election, one aide close to her team voiced concerns about lower voter turnout, particularly among Black and Hispanic men, noting that failing to vote would inadvertently favor the opposition.
Next week, Harris is set to travel to Detroit for a radio town hall hosted by Charlamagne tha God, which is expected to attract a large audience, particularly among Black listeners. The event will be a platform for her to engage with voters across various key states.
In the lead-up to the campaign, allies of Harris have been working to promote her candidacy in intimate settings, similar to Obama’s approach in Pittsburgh. Last month, Harris’ brother-in-law attended a local NAACP meeting to encourage support for her candidacy, reminding attendees of the influence of strong Black women in their lives.
During a rally later that night, Obama delivered sharp criticisms of Trump and the current Republican Party. He expressed dismay over Trump’s deceptive tactics, particularly regarding disaster relief, and questioned the moral implications of such behavior.
Obama contrasted his vision with Trump’s, highlighting the latter’s greed and dishonesty. He criticized Trump’s economic claims, asserting that the economic stability during Trump’s presidency was rooted in the recovery efforts he initiated during his own administration.
In a passionate plea to voters, Obama emphasized the importance of active participation in the election. “Whether this election makes you feel excited, scared, hopeful, or frustrated, do not just sit back and hope for the best. Get off your couch and vote. Put down your phone and vote. Grab your friends and family and vote,” he urged, advocating for Harris and her campaign.