Barack Obama Calls Out “Brothers” While Campaigning For Kamala Harris
Former President Barack Obama delivered a stern speech last week (Oct. 10) during a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking directly to Black voters. Addressing the crowd in Pittsburg, Pa., the 63-year-old suggested Black men are not as supportive of Harris’ quest for the White House as they should be.
“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. Now, I also want to say that that seems to be more pronounced with the brothers,” orated the Democratic politician, per The Guardian.
“You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses. I’ve got a problem with that.”
He continued to interrogate, “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,” adding “When we get in trouble and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting.”
Although Obama might have intended to boost Harris, the message was met with criticism.
“Why are Black men being belittled in ways that no other voting group [is]?” former Ohio state Senator Nina Turner, a Democrat, said Thursday on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, according to Bloomberg politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, Nia-Malika Henderson.
“Now, a lot of love for former President Obama, but for him to single out Black men is wrong.”
Actor Wendell Pierce, who frequently speaks on politics and social issues, also shared a message pressing against the assumptions encouraged by Obama’s speech.
“Awful message. The party has to stop scapegoating Black men. Black men aren’t the problem. White men and White women are. No other group votes at 87-90% for Dems but Black folk. Men and women. That is a false flag. Black men voting for Trump is insignificant. This accusatorial tone will make some Black men stay home-which is worse,” wrote the 60-year-old on X. The post includes a promotional image for an upcoming Democratic event where he is set to speak.
“Black men are questioning our party to find out what their loyalty for decades earns them. That’s good. That’s healthy. Democrats have the record to stand on and should embrace the challenge. But after touring this country specifically engaging Black men, I will not let my party leaders speak condescending towards them.”
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Last month during an interview with the National Association Of Black Journalists (NABJ), Harris explained her intention to work for the vote of Black men.
“I think it’s very important to not operate from the assumption that Black men are in anybody’s pocket,” she explained. “Black men are like any other voting group. You gotta earn their vote, so I’m working to earn the vote, not assuming I’m gonna have it because I’m Black.”
According to the Associated Press, a poll conducted in mid-September found about 7 in 10 Black voters have a somewhat or very favorable view of Harris, with few differences between Black men and women voters.
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