During a campaign tour, Former President Barack Obama addressed the low support among black men for a female president, linking it to potential sexism.
Breitbart reported that in Pennsylvania while stumping for Vice President Kamala Harris, Obama openly criticized black men for apparently being too sexist to vote for a female president. This insane claim was a clear attempt to guilt black men in order to get them to fall in line as black men typically vote Democrat in national elections.
His remarks were aimed at stirring support for Harris amid her dwindling popularity among African American men. Harris is falling behind in Pennsylvania and Obama is taking over the campaign in an effort to save Harris's chances in a crucial swing state.
How accusing African American men of being sexist will solve Harris's failings wasn't made clear.
Obama claimed that there is an underlying issue of sexism that might be influencing the low support numbers. Observing the political landscapes, he discussed the broader implications of such viewpoints on the electoral prospects of female candidates.
The campaign event was not merely a critique but also a strategic move to connect with voters who might still be on the fence.
Obama’s message was tailored to resonate with communal ties and shared experiences, illustrating Harris' deep understanding of the black community’s unique challenges.
Utilizing his influence, Obama looked to reignite the same fervent support that characterized his presidential bids.
He was candid about the noticeable dip in enthusiasm and turnout among various community sectors, which could jeopardize Harris' chances.
Recent polling underscored the trends Obama highlighted. The Washington Post/Ipsos poll revealed that, although Harris has substantial backing with an 80% approval rating among black men, this figure still shows a decline from the support levels enjoyed by Joe Biden in 2020.
This slipping traction is further complicated by the NAACP’s findings, revealing that a notable section of younger black men under 50 are leaning towards Republican alternatives like Donald Trump.
Obama emphasized the contrast between Harris's empathetic approach rooted in real-world experiences and the policies of other candidates. He aimed not only to bolster her credentials but also directly challenged the community to reflect on the barriers Harris had overcome to rise to high office.
“There’s a clear choice here,” Obama said, reframing the context for voters to see Harris as a candidate who endured more challenges due to her gender and race, yet succeeded immensely. He acknowledged the significant journey Harris has embarked upon, from her educational endeavors to claiming the second-highest office in the nation.
Obama's speech also served as a reminder of the evolving political sentiment among black voters, particularly men. With an increased percentage voting for Republicans — rising from 9% in 2018 to 13% in 2022 — the shift necessitates a call to action.
In his appeal, Obama adopted a more personal tone: “Now, I also want to say that seems to be more pronounced with the brothers,” stressing the importance of recognizing and overcoming possible bias within oneself as part of larger societal advancements.
He continued, addressing black men directly: “So if you don’t mind, just for a second, I'm going to speak to y’all, and say that when you have a choice that is this clear, when on the one hand, 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.”