Obama Urges Black Men to Support Kamala Harris as He Launches Campaign Tour in Pennsylvania
PITTSBURGH, PA — Former President Barack Obama took aim at his White House successor, Donald Trump, during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, urging Black men to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. As he kicked off a swing-state tour, Obama emphasized the importance of turnout and addressed concerns about lower enthusiasm for Harris compared to his own candidacy.
Speaking at a campaign field office on Thursday, Obama acknowledged reports suggesting some Black men were considering sitting out the election. He responded by confronting what he sees as lingering biases regarding Harris’ role as a woman in leadership.
“Part of me thinks — and I’m speaking to men directly — that maybe you’re uncomfortable with the idea of a woman as president, and you’re finding other reasons to justify it,” Obama said, urging men to reflect on their reservations.
Obama also criticized Trump’s rhetoric, particularly his habit of putting people down. “If you think supporting someone who has a history of denigrating you is a sign of strength, because that’s what being a man is—putting women down—that’s not acceptable,” the former president said.
Trump, in response, took to social media on Friday, sidestepping Obama’s criticism and attacking Harris. He claimed, “Obama admits a total lack of enthusiasm for Kamala, especially with Black men,” and suggested that Obama might even secretly support him, while continuing to insult Harris.
With less than a month until Election Day and voting already underway, Obama chose Pennsylvania as the first stop in his campaign tour. At a rally at the University of Pittsburgh, he portrayed Trump as disconnected from the needs of the country, describing him as a “bumbling” billionaire more focused on his personal grievances than on leading the nation.
Obama praised Harris as a capable leader, asserting, “Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been.” He noted her long history of fighting for those who need a voice, highlighting her readiness for the presidency.
As one of the Democratic Party’s most influential figures, Obama continues to play a pivotal role in energizing voters. Though eight years out of office, his presence on the campaign trail remains vital, particularly as President Joe Biden, after ending his reelection bid, has yet to take on the same role.
Obama’s rally speech also mocked Trump’s lengthy social media rants and conspiracy-laden speeches. He compared them to Fidel Castro’s marathon addresses, calling them “word salad” and questioning Trump’s constant salesmanship. “Who does that?” Obama quipped, before listing products Trump has promoted, including $399 gold sneakers and a $100,000 watch.
In a moment of levity, Obama pointed to Trump’s sale of a “God Bless the USA” Bible for $59.99, laughing as he said, “He wants you to buy the word of God: Donald Trump edition. You couldn’t make this stuff up.”
Obama’s appearance in Pennsylvania not only underscores the importance of the battleground state but also the historic nature of Harris’ political career. As the first woman, the first Black person, and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president, Harris stands poised to make history once again if elected as president next month.
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