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Former President Barack Obama delivered a blunt message to Black men who are reluctant to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.
On Thursday (October 10), Obama made a surprise speech during which he addressed Black male voter support for Harris at a campaign field office in Pittsburgh ahead of a rally in the city, per NPR.
According to recent reports, former President Donald Trump is gaining traction among Black male voters. Obama said he hasn't seen the "same kinds of energy" from Black men for Harris compared to when he ran for president.
“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 quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running," the former president said.
Obama pointedly stated that the lack of enthusiasm for Harris "seems to be more pronounced with the brothers.”
“And you are thinking about sitting out?” he said. “Part of it makes me think — and I'm speaking to men directly — 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.”
"Women in our lives have been getting our backs this entire time," Obama continued. “When we get in trouble and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting."
The former president said the decision between Harris and Trump should be 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. “And on the other side, you have someone who has consistently shown disregard, not just for the communities, but for you as a person.”
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