Obama Criticizes Black Male Voters for Lack of Support for Kamala Harris, Urges Unity Against Trump

PITTSBURGH – Former President Barack Obama took aim at black male voters on Thursday, suggesting their reluctance to support Vice President Kamala Harris may stem from gender bias, while criticizing those backing former President Donald Trump.

Obama’s comments came during a “Black Voters for Harris” event in Pittsburgh, ahead of a rally to boost Harris’ campaign.

“We have yet to see the same kinds of energy and turnout in all corners of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running,” Obama, 63, said to the crowd, addressing the tepid enthusiasm for Harris’ candidacy.

He pointed out that black men, in particular, seem less engaged. “I also want to say that seems to be more pronounced with the brothers,” Obama said.

The former president expressed frustration at what he sees as “excuses” from black men about supporting Harris. “I’ve got a problem with that,” he said.

Obama speculated that the resistance might be due to discomfort with the idea of a woman 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 other reasons,” he added.

Obama also strongly opposed black men who are considering supporting Trump, arguing that it is “not acceptable.” Recent polling suggests a growing number of black Americans, particularly men under 50, are leaning toward Trump.

An NAACP survey from September revealed that 1 in 4 black men under 50 support the former president.

Obama didn’t hold back when addressing black men who view Trump’s brash behavior as a sign of strength. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, I noticed this, especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior pulling and putting people down is a sign of strength,” he said passionately. “And I am here to tell you that is not what real strength is.”

He emphasized that voters have candidates in this election, like Harris, who understand what true strength looks like and will improve the country. “[T]he good news is that you have candidates to vote for in this election that demonstrate that kind of care, who know what real strength looks like, who will set a good example and do the right thing and leave this country better than they found it,” Obama urged.

Obama acknowledged the economic frustrations many voters are feeling, including rising prices under the Harris-Biden administration, which he attributed to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I get why people are looking to shake things up,” he said. “I mean, I am the hopey-changey guy.”

However, he questioned why voters would turn to Trump for solutions. “What I cannot understand is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you, Pennsylvania,” Obama said.

He even compared Trump’s lengthy speeches and social media rants to the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. “You’ve got the tweets in all caps, the ranting and raving about crazy conspiracy theory, the two-hour speeches — word salad — it’s like Fidel Castro, just on and on,” Obama remarked, drawing laughter from the audience.

While Obama’s words were met with cheers, some attendees at the rally expressed reservations about Harris’ candidacy. Reggie Jones, a black man from South Carolina who was selling Harris merchandise, suggested that Harris’ record as a prosecutor was one reason for the lack of support from black men. “[It’s] because she locked a whole lot of us up as a prosecutor,” Jones said. He added candidly, “I’m just selling her stuff for the money.”

Salmata Alghali, a vendor from Detroit and Harris supporter, echoed this sentiment, noting that Trump’s appeal to some black men lies in his unpredictability. “Some men are just tired of the same politics,” she said, adding that while Trump’s statements may seem “ridiculous,” they generate excitement.

She also mentioned that some black men have concerns over Harris’ stance on issues like transgender rights and her record on incarcerating black men.

“Instead of doing their own research, they just believe it,” Alghali added, expressing frustration at what she sees as misinformation. She joked that some Trump supporters seem to believe his recent legal troubles have made him “gangster” in their eyes, dismissing it as “bulls—t.”

Na’een Akbar, a 72-year-old undecided voter from New York who was also selling wares at the rally, said his opposition to Harris stems from her stance on foreign policy. “She supports Israel, bombing women and children indiscriminately,” Akbar said, explaining that he cannot support any candidate with that position. He also pointed to her past as a prosecutor as a reason for her lack of support among black men, unrelated to her gender.

Akbar, however, is not a Trump supporter either, citing his opposition to Trump’s “Project 2025” policy agenda, which he believes could harm the country. He criticized both candidates, leaving him undecided ahead of the 2024 election.

Despite some skepticism, many Harris supporters at the event were thrilled to see Obama speak. Ellie Laing, a young attendee, recalled how her father took her to vote for Obama when she was just six years old, calling it a “core memory.” Pat Manion, a teacher from Mount Lebanon, Pittsburgh, brought his biracial son to the event, hoping to inspire him with Obama’s example. “People like him can do amazing things,” Manion said.

Obama’s speech in Pittsburgh marked the first of several events in key swing states where he will be stumping for Harris ahead of the election. The Harris campaign hopes Obama’s involvement will help rally the black voter base and drive turnout in November.