Barack Obama Urges Black Men to Back Kamala Harris
During a pre-campaign rally stop in Pittsburgh yesterday (Oct. 10), former President Barack Obama urged Black Americans to rally behind Kamala Harris' presidential bid, noting a lack of the same enthusiasm that marked his own campaigns in 2008 and 2012.
Before joining Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. at a rally later in the day, Obama visited a local campaign office and delivered an impassioned plea, specifically addressing Black men. He expressed concern over their hesitation to support the vice president, The Washington Post reported.
"My understanding, based on reports I'm getting from campaigns and communities, is that we have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all corners of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running," he began.
Obama continued, "Now, I also want to say that that seems to be more pronounced with the brothers. So if you don't mind -- just for a second, I've got to speak to y’all and say that when you have a choice that is this clear.”
“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,” Obama said, referencing Harris. As opposed to Trump, he emphasized, “you have someone who has consistently shown disregard, not just for the communities, but for you as a person ... And you are thinking about sitting out?”
Oprah Winfrey has also thrown her support behind Harris. Last month, she hosted a rally in Michigan, a key battleground state, to drum up enthusiasm for the Democratic presidential nominee. The town hall, live-streamed to reach undecided voters and energize Harris' base, drew about 400 in-person attendees, with thousands more tuning in via YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms. Celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Ben Stiller joined remotely via Zoom, adding star power to the "Unite for America" event.
