Former President Barack Obama is concerned by the lack of energy he sees among Black men for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris is trying to become the first Asian American and woman president in United States history.
Obama hit the campaign trail after internal polls showed Harris is losing to former President Donald Trump, particularly among the Black male demographic.
On Thursday, October 10, Obama met with Black voters at an event ahead of a rally for Harris in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Obama told the men he doesn’t see the same “energy” and turnout for Harris that he saw in the Black community when he was running for president.
“We have yet to see the same kinds of energy and turnout in all corners of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running,” Obama, 63, said at a “Black Voters for Harris” event in Pittsburgh.
“I also want to say that that seems to be more pronounced with the brothers,” he added. “So if you don’t mind, just for a second, I’m going to speak to y’all directly.”
Obama, who is biracial like Harris, reminded the men that Harris “grew up like you.”
Obama compared Black men to Harris as “somebody who grew up like you, knows you, went to college with you, understands the struggles and pain and joy that comes from those experiences.”
Obama said he’s hearing “excuses” from Black men that they don’t want to elect a female for president.
“[Y]ou’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses,” he said. “I’ve got a problem with that. Part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that.”
Obama said the Republican presidential candidate has shown “disregard” for people.
“Women in our lives have been getting our backs this entire time. When we get in trouble and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting,” he declared.
Obama argued that it is “not acceptable” for Black men to support former President Trump, who is Caucasian.
“I’m sorry, gentlemen, I noticed this, especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior pulling and putting people down is a sign of strength,” he said. “And I am here to tell you that is not what real strength is.”
Former President Barack Obama has a “tough talk” at the Black voters for Harris event in East Liberty. He addressed that Black men have not been as enthused about Harris as during his first run, and he sought to encourage them to join Harris’ movement pic.twitter.com/gDFZhsdLxC
— Ryan Deto (@RyanDeto) October 10, 2024
More of Barack Obama having a serious talk at a Black voters for Harris event in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty. He addressed that Black men have not been as enthused about Harris as during his first run, and that has to change to beat Trump pic.twitter.com/iPBUNL8zME
— Ryan Deto (@RyanDeto) October 10, 2024
