Obama Exposes Kamala Harris For Failing to Reach Black People
Former President Barack Obama appeared to critique Black men who have been hesitant to support Vice President Kamala Harris, even suggesting that sexism could play a role.
Just hours before his first campaign event for the Democratic nominee, Obama made a surprise stop at a Harris campaign office in Pittsburgh. There, he expressed his intention to “speak some truths” and specifically address Black men, delivering his most direct remarks yet about their reluctance to back Harris, as reported by the Washington Post.
“My understanding, from what I’ve been hearing from campaigns and communities, is that we haven’t seen the same level of energy and turnout in some areas of our neighborhoods and communities that we saw when I was running,” Obama remarked, noting that it “seems to be more noticeable with the brothers.”
He questioned why some voters, particularly Black voters, remain undecided about supporting Harris or her opponent, former President Donald Trump, the Post added.
“On one hand, you have someone who grew up like you, knows you, went to school with you, and understands the challenges, the joy, and the pain from those experiences,” Obama said, outlining Harris’s journey. Referring to Trump, he falsely claimed, “you have someone who has repeatedly shown a lack of regard, not just for the communities, but for you as an individual … And you’re considering sitting this one out?”
The former president then spoke about what he believed was driving the lukewarm support for Harris among Black men, suggesting that some may be uncomfortable with electing the first female president, the Post continued.
“And you’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses. I’ve got a problem with that,” he asserted. “Because part of it makes me wonder — and I’m speaking directly to men — part of it makes me think that maybe, well, you’re not comfortable with the idea of a woman being president, and you’re finding other excuses for that.”
Obama’s remarks signified a historic moment: the country’s first Black president encouraging Black men to back Kamala Harris, who could potentially become the first woman of color in the White House. Harris herself is both Black and Indian-American.
“The women in our lives have always had our backs,” Obama emphasized. “When we’re in trouble, and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting. And now, you’re thinking about sitting this one out, or supporting someone who has a record of putting you down, because you think that’s what strength looks like? Putting women down? That’s unacceptable.”
On Thursday, the Post reported, Obama began his campaign tour with a stop in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state crucial to Harris’s chances. In seven critical swing states—including Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—Harris and Trump are locked in a close race. The Harris campaign is preparing for a fiercely competitive election that may be decided by narrow margins.
Trump and his allies have claimed that he is gaining traction among Black men, while Black women largely continue to support Harris, believing that his economic policies could benefit all Americans. Polls in recent months have suggested that support for Trump is indeed growing among Black men.
Nonetheless, Obama persisted in his criticism of Trump.
“There’s absolutely no evidence that this man thinks about anyone but himself,” Obama said, according to the Post. “As I’ve said before: Donald Trump is a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped complaining about his problems since he came down that golden escalator nine years ago.”