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Former President Barack Obama addressed concerns on October 10 about Black men’s hesitance to support Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, suggesting that this reluctance may stem from her being a woman. Speaking at a rally in Pittsburgh, Obama drew a contrast between Harris and her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, while urging voters to show up at the polls.
Earlier, Obama visited a “Black Voters for Harris” event in East Liberty, Pennsylvania, where he spoke directly to Black men—a group that, according to recent polls, is increasingly shifting support towards Trump. “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,” Obama said. “That seems to be more pronounced with the brothers.”
He suggested that some of the resistance towards Harris might be rooted in discomfort with the idea of a female president. “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 reasons for that,” Obama noted. He emphasized that women have historically supported men, especially in challenging times, adding, “Women in our lives have been getting our backs this entire time. When we’re in trouble, and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting.”
Obama also addressed the perception of Trump as a strong figure. “And now, 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 people down? That’s unacceptable,” he said.
In response, Trump commented on social media, saying, “Obama admits a total lack of enthusiasm for Kamala, especially with Black Men.” Obama countered by emphasizing that Harris, with her background as the daughter of a Black father and South Asian mother, is more relatable to Black men than Trump. He said, “You have a choice that is this clear … you have 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, who’s had to work harder, and do more, and overcome and achieves the second-highest office in the land.”
A poll from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) revealed that 26 percent of Black men under 50 supported Trump in this election, an increase from the 2020 election. The Epoch Times interviewed several Black male voters from battleground states who expressed skepticism about Harris’s candidacy. Al Smith, a 34-year-old voter from North Carolina, said, “She would have to realize that a Black man can trust no one, not even a Black woman.”
Even among Black male supporters, Harris has faced criticism for a lack of clarity in her policy stances. “You really gotta get very clear on what you’re fighting against, and you gotta be really contemporary with your examples,” said Russell, a Harris supporter and Black business owner who preferred not to share his last name.
