On Thursday, former President Barack Obama conveyed a direct appeal to Black men, urging them to support Vice President Harris and participate in the voting process. Before attending a rally in Pittsburgh, Obama made an unplanned visit to a campaign field office in the city, where significant efforts were being made by his party due to a closely contested race between Harris and former President Donald Trump, as indicated by recent polls.
Obama, noted for being the first Black president, addressed the traction Trump appears to be gaining among Black male voters, expressing a desire to “speak some truths” regarding this trend. He observed that there hasn’t been the same level of energy and turnout from some communities compared to when he was running, and mentioned that a greater lack of enthusiasm seemed particularly pronounced among Black men.
During his remarks, Obama criticized those who were either voting for Trump or choosing not to vote at all. He challenged those considering abstaining from voting and suggested that their hesitation might stem from discomfort with the idea of a female president, despite trying to rationalize it differently. He emphasized the crucial role women have played in supporting their communities, often leading efforts during challenging times by rallying and protesting for justice.
Obama encouraged undecided voters to clearly weigh the decision between Harris and Trump. He pointed out that Harris’s background and life experiences align closely with those of the community, emphasizing her focus on policies that could benefit Black neighborhoods, such as affordable housing and healthcare. Conversely, he highlighted that Trump has demonstrated ongoing disregard for both the community at large and individuals within it.