Staff Reports
Barack Obama recently took a trip down memory lane, lamenting the dwindling support among Black male voters for Kamala Harris and her presidential campaign, sounding more like a frustrated coach than a former president. During a lively event at the University of Pittsburgh, he expressed concern about the lack of “turnout” from the “brothas” who once rallied around his administration like moths to a flame. The implication? Without a strong showing from Black men, it’s lights out for Harris’s shot at the White House.
In a moment that could only be described as a bid for damage control, the Harris campaign quickly swung into action, rolling out a shiny new agenda aimed at reeling in these elusive voters. The plan includes one million forgivable loans for Black entrepreneurs, a sprinkle of education and job training initiatives, legalizing recreational marijuana, and even a National Health Equity Initiative tailored for Black men. One can almost hear the scrambling sound of advisors as they desperately sought to connect with a constituency that seems more interested in marketable skills than political platitudes.
NEW: Former President Barack Obama says the "brothas" aren't turning out for Kamala Harris like they did for him.
The comments from Obama came during an event at the University of Pittsburgh where Obama sounded the alarm on black voters.
"We have not yet seen the same kinds of… pic.twitter.com/v77CHcOv2A
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 10, 2024
It’s worth noting that the response from actual Black men has been less than enthusiastic. Many have made it clear that pandering doesn’t equate to genuine support. Some have pointed out the irony of being told by the same man who helped elect Kamala that their loyalty is lacking. If Kamala wanted genuine support, she’d need to do a bit more than roll out an agenda and rally the former president. As Florida Representative Byron Donalds put it, there’s a profound disconnect when the message is about how Black men should be falling in line behind a candidate who hasn’t demonstrated they stand for anyone but the political elite.
Even among former Obama aides, the reception has been lukewarm at best, with many characterizing the effort as misguided. Suggesting that a quick fix can be achieved by sending Obama to deliver a pep talk reeks of desperation. It’s no wonder that the polls aren’t reflecting the results the Democrats had hoped for, leading to speculation that this last-minute agenda was churned out under pressure. If this plan is any indication of a genuine strategy, it looks like it was thrown together overnight—evidence enough that the Democrats are feeling the heat.
Ultimately, the rush to create an agenda just weeks before the election demonstrates a party in meltdown mode. The reality is clear for many Black men: they aren’t merely a voting bloc to be exploited based on skin color. Instead, they are increasingly discerning individuals who want substantive change rather than last-ditch efforts to secure loyalty. With Harris’s popularity dwindling and Obama’s plea falling flat, it raises an alarming question for the Democrats: can they really count on their past stars when it comes to energizing their base? If recent reactions are any indication, that’s a resounding no.
