Former President Barack Obama recently voiced concerns over the lack of enthusiasm among Black voters for Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
Speaking at a “Black Voters for Harris” event in Pittsburgh, Obama stated that the energy and turnout in Black communities are not matching the levels seen during his own campaigns.
“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 said.
He specifically addressed Black men, stating, “That seems to be more pronounced with the brothers. You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses. I’ve got a problem with that.”
Obama suggested that some Black men might be hesitant to support Harris because she is a woman. “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 for that,” he claimed.
Polls indicate a shift in support among Black voters. A Pew Research poll from September 30 showed that only 84% of Black voters would choose Harris, while 13% expressed support for former President Donald Trump.
This marked an eight-point drop from President Joe Biden’s support in 2020 when he secured 92% of the Black vote.
Among Black men, support for Harris is even lower. A Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that only 80% support her, and an NAACP survey revealed that one in four Black men under 50 back Trump.
Obama criticized the idea of Black men supporting Trump, stating that it’s “not acceptable.” He addressed perceptions of strength associated with Trump’s behavior, saying, “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. And I am here to tell you that is not what real strength is.”
Some attendees at the event offered insights into why Harris might not be resonating with Black men.
Reggie Jones, a vendor from South Carolina, suggested that her past as a prosecutor could be a factor. “[It’s] because she locked a whole lot of us up as a prosecutor,” Jones said.
Na’een Akbar, an undecided voter from New York, expressed concerns over Harris’s stance on international issues. “She supports Israel, bombing women and children indiscriminately,” he stated. “I can’t support her if she supports that.”
From 2018 to 2022, the Republican share of the Black vote increased from 9% to 13%. This movement suggests a realignment since Trump entered politics in 2016, promoting a “citizen first” agenda.
Obama’s remarks underscore the Democratic Party’s concerns about maintaining a critical voter base that has shown signs of shifting allegiances.