Former President Barack Obama made waves Thursday night as he kicked off a multi-state campaign tour in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid, urging Black men to show stronger support at the polls. Speaking passionately during a rally at the University of Pittsburgh, Obama criticized former President Donald Trump while also addressing a reported lag in support for Harris among Black male voters, a demographic typically loyal to Democratic candidates.
During his unscheduled stop at a Harris campaign field office in Pittsburgh earlier in the day, Obama gave what many are describing as a “scolding” to Black men who may be hesitant about voting for Harris. His remarks come amid concerns within the Harris campaign that lower-than-expected voter turnout, particularly among Black men, could hurt her chances in key states.
Referencing these concerns, Obama directly addressed the reasons he has heard from some men about why they are not backing Harris. “Part of it makes me think — and I’m speaking to men directly — 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. His comment reflected growing frustration within the Democratic Party over what some perceive as unfounded resistance to Harris’ candidacy.
In a fiery speech aimed at energizing the crowd and supporters across the country, Obama also took the opportunity to attack Trump’s record and rhetoric. He hit back at Trump’s frequent accusations that President Joe Biden withheld hurricane relief from Republican-majority areas, calling these claims baseless and divisive. “Do you think Trump cares about you?” Obama asked, driving home his point with emotion. “He spent years dividing this country, and now you want to trust him to lead again?”
Obama acknowledged that the nation has faced significant challenges in recent years, from the economic impact of inflation to the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. He empathized with voters who are frustrated and may be seeking change. “I get it, why people are looking to shake things up. I mean, I am the hopey-changey guy. So I understand people feeling frustrated and feeling we can do better,” he said, while making it clear that he believes Trump is not the solution.
“What I cannot understand is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you,” Obama added, stressing that Harris is fully equipped to lead the country. “Harris is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” he declared, underscoring her qualifications and readiness to assume the highest office.
In addition to attacking Trump’s divisive leadership style, Obama took aim at what he described as a misunderstanding of what strength in leadership looks like. “You’re thinking about sitting out or supporting somebody who has a history of denigrating you, because you think that’s a sign of strength, because that’s what being a man is? Putting women down? That’s not acceptable,” he said. Obama’s words were met with enthusiastic applause, signaling that his tough-love approach may resonate with voters.
As the Harris campaign ramps up its efforts in battleground states, Obama’s involvement is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting voter engagement, especially among Black men. His pointed criticism of both Trump and voter apathy sends a clear message: the stakes are too high to sit this election out.
