Barack Obama took to the campaign trail in Pennsylvania on Thursday, making a direct appeal to voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency. Addressing a crowd in Pittsburgh and at a rally for Black voters, Obama urged men-particularly Black men-to cast aside their reservations and rally behind Harris, emphasizing her potential to bring positive change to the nation.
During his stop at a Harris campaign office in Pittsburgh, Obama didn't mince words when he highlighted what he perceives as a lack of enthusiasm among Black men for Harris compared to previous elections. "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," Obama said, noting a particular decline in support among Black male voters. "You're coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses. I've got a problem with that."
Citing a recent NAACP poll showing that more than one-quarter of Black men under 50 in Pennsylvania are leaning towards supporting Donald Trump, Obama pointed to the need for self-reflection among this demographic. "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," he said, addressing the potential biases that could be influencing voter decisions.
At a rally later in the evening at the Fitzgerald Field House in Pittsburgh, where thousands gathered, Obama broadened his message to all residents of this crucial swing state. He urged them to back Harris, while also voicing support for down-ballot Democrats like Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, who is seeking re-election against a well-funded Republican challenger. "We need a president who actually cares about solving problems and making your life better, and that's what Kamala Harris will do," Obama declared. "And to help her do it, she will need a Senate full of serious public servants like Bob Casey."
Obama's remarks come as Harris continues to face a tight race in Pennsylvania, a state that holds 19 electoral votes and could be a key battleground in determining the outcome of the presidential election. While recent polling from Quinnipiac University shows Harris leading narrowly in Pennsylvania, the race between her and Trump remains competitive, with both candidates vying for the crucial swing state's support.
The former president also took the opportunity to address the frustrations many Americans feel about economic issues like inflation and the pace of the COVID-19 recovery. "This election is going to be tight because there are a lot of Americans who are still struggling out there," Obama acknowledged. "I get it why people are looking to shake things up. I mean, I am the hope-y, change-y guy. So I understand people feeling frustrated. We can do better. What I cannot understand is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you."
His criticism of Trump didn't end there. Obama directly challenged the perception of Trump as a symbol of strength among some male voters, especially those who equate Trump's behavior with leadership. "I'm sorry, gentlemen, I've noticed this, especially with some men who seem to think Trump's behavior of bullying and putting people down is a sign of strength. And I am here to tell you: that is not what real strength is. It never has been," Obama said, urging men to reconsider what qualities they value in a leader.
The event in Pittsburgh also featured remarks from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Bob Casey. Shapiro touted the achievements of the Democratic Party in the state, including expanding universal free breakfast and implementing measures to prevent gun violence. He urged the crowd to vote to re-elect Casey, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Senate in Democratic hands. Casey himself addressed the stakes of his re-election battle, criticizing his opponent, David McCormick, for his ties to hedge funds that managed significant investments in Russian debt.
Despite the rally's focus on supporting Harris and Democratic candidates, the opposition was quick to react. Republican spokespersons dismissed Obama's appearance as a sign of Democratic desperation. "If Democrats have to fly in Barack Obama from his $12 million Martha's Vineyard estate, things aren't going too well for Kamala Harris," said Kush Desai, a spokesman for Team Trump. Desai went on to criticize Obama's involvement, suggesting he should stick to "proselytizing America through his Netflix grift instead of condescending Pennsylvanians to their faces."
