Obama Says Black Men Offer 'Excuses' for Not Supporting Harris
The former president has been actively campaigning to inspire enthusiasm among the Democratic base.
TroibNews 
Barack Obama is encouraging Black men to enhance their support for Kamala Harris, indicating concerns within her campaign about this typically reliable demographic for Democrats.
During an unscheduled visit to a campaign field office in Pittsburgh, Obama referenced reports that show support for Harris is not as strong among Black males. He expressed disappointment, stating, “You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses, I've got a problem with that. Because 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.”
As the most popular figure in the Democratic Party, Obama’s campaign efforts were anticipated to provide a boost in the race's final weeks, capturing some of the enthusiasm that helped him ascend to the presidency. However, it has also highlighted challenges in Harris’ groundbreaking campaign.
Obama informed volunteers that there seemed to be a notable lack of enthusiasm among Black men, who will be essential for Harris to succeed against Donald Trump, especially in pivotal Pennsylvania. “We have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running,” he remarked, according to a video shared on social media.
He emphasized that Harris is someone who "grew up like you."
Starting a tour of battleground states to support Harris, Obama began in Pittsburgh, a city renowned for its organized labor presence, another important voter group.
He rejected Trump's assertions of a strong economy, highlighting that the Republican largely benefited from recovery measures implemented during his administration. “I had spent eight years cleaning up the mess that the Republicans had left me the last time," he said, contrasting that experience with Harris, who he described as "ready to do the job."
Many Black men this election cycle have voiced discontent with the Harris campaign, claiming that Democrats' outreach has often felt insufficient or occasionally condescending.
Obama, who secured Pennsylvania in both of his presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012 largely due to record turnout among voters of color, suggested that some potential voters are making excuses for their reluctance to support Harris, who has already made history as the first woman vice president.
In addition to Pennsylvania, Democrats have increased outreach initiatives targeting Black men in Michigan and Wisconsin, two other critical states where Harris is striving to maintain Democratic support.
Cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, with their substantial Black populations, could play a crucial role in determining Harris' success in the upcoming election.
On the same day, Trump held an event in Detroit, warning that "our whole country will end up like Detroit" if Harris is elected president, adding, "You’re going to have a mess on your hands.”
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
During an unscheduled visit to a campaign field office in Pittsburgh, Obama referenced reports that show support for Harris is not as strong among Black males. He expressed disappointment, stating, “You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses, I've got a problem with that. Because 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.”
As the most popular figure in the Democratic Party, Obama’s campaign efforts were anticipated to provide a boost in the race's final weeks, capturing some of the enthusiasm that helped him ascend to the presidency. However, it has also highlighted challenges in Harris’ groundbreaking campaign.
Obama informed volunteers that there seemed to be a notable lack of enthusiasm among Black men, who will be essential for Harris to succeed against Donald Trump, especially in pivotal Pennsylvania. “We have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running,” he remarked, according to a video shared on social media.
He emphasized that Harris is someone who "grew up like you."
Starting a tour of battleground states to support Harris, Obama began in Pittsburgh, a city renowned for its organized labor presence, another important voter group.
He rejected Trump's assertions of a strong economy, highlighting that the Republican largely benefited from recovery measures implemented during his administration. “I had spent eight years cleaning up the mess that the Republicans had left me the last time," he said, contrasting that experience with Harris, who he described as "ready to do the job."
Many Black men this election cycle have voiced discontent with the Harris campaign, claiming that Democrats' outreach has often felt insufficient or occasionally condescending.
Obama, who secured Pennsylvania in both of his presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012 largely due to record turnout among voters of color, suggested that some potential voters are making excuses for their reluctance to support Harris, who has already made history as the first woman vice president.
In addition to Pennsylvania, Democrats have increased outreach initiatives targeting Black men in Michigan and Wisconsin, two other critical states where Harris is striving to maintain Democratic support.
Cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, with their substantial Black populations, could play a crucial role in determining Harris' success in the upcoming election.
On the same day, Trump held an event in Detroit, warning that "our whole country will end up like Detroit" if Harris is elected president, adding, "You’re going to have a mess on your hands.”
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
