Kamala Harris gives awkward response when asked about Obama’s controversial plea to black men
Kamala Harris avoided directly answering the question of whether she agrees with former President Barack Obama’s widely criticized plea for black men to vote for her instead of Donald Trump.
Obama sparked outrage last week over controversial comments criticizing black men for not supporting her campaign because of her gender.
Harris was asked about Obama’s comments by reporters on the campaign trail on Wednesday, but she sidestepped the controversy and acknowledged his support.
“Let me first say that I am very proud of the support of former President Barack Obama,” she said.
“And I think the important point that I’ll make again and again is that I don’t assume that the voice of any demographic group is locked down.”
During a surprise campaign visit to Pittsburgh, Obama criticized “the brothers” in the black community for their lack of enthusiasm for Harris.
Former President Barack Obama talks with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House
“Some of it makes me think – and I’m speaking directly to men – some of it makes me think that you just don’t like the idea of having a woman as president, and you come up with other things. alternatives and other reasons for that,” he said.
Obama’s comments drew criticism from some in the black community, who said the remarks were “condescending.”
Media reports have suggested that black male voters are a weak spot for Harris, after Joe Biden won 80% in 2020, compared to 82% for Hillary Clinton in 2015.
It is reported that a quarter of young black men support Trump, which would further drop Harris.
Harris released her Opportunity Agenda for Black Men on Tuesday and was also asked about Obama’s comments during a town hall in Detroit with radio host Charlamagne tha’ God.
When asked if Obama’s comments were “in line” with her plan to release a dark economic agenda, Harris denied this.
‘Oh no, no, no, no. …No, clearly not,” she replied. “I’ve been doing this for a while, even before I ran for president.”
Charlamagne noted during the interview that Obama was “waving his finger at black men” and suggested that white Republicans should do the same to white women and white men for supporting Trump in previous elections.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama talks to supporters at a campaign office in East Liberty ahead of a rally in support of Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh.
Former President Barack Obama laughs as he listens to an introduction at a campaign field office in Pennsylvania
Harris sidestepped the controversy but emphasized her Republican support from people who worked for Republicans like John McCain, Mitt Romney and Liz Cheney.
“I think what’s happening is we’re all working to remind people of what’s at stake. And that is very important,” she said.