Obama Harris Pennsylvania/ Obama rally Pittsburgh/ Black voter support/ 2024 election news/ Kamala Harris campaign/ Newslooks/ PITTSBURGH/ PENNSYLVANIA/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former President Barack Obama urged Black men to back Kamala Harris and offered a forceful critique of Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. Obama highlighted Harris’s readiness for office and criticized Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
Obama Pennsylvania Campaign Quick Looks
- Obama Rallies for Harris: Obama called on Black men to support Harris, urging against abstaining from voting.
- Critique of Trump: Obama attacked Trump’s character and history, likening his rhetoric to “ranting and raving.”
- Historical Significance: Harris would be the first woman and Black woman to serve as U.S. president.
- Polling Trends: Harris is favorable among Black voters, though Trump aims to make inroads.
- Event Impact: Obama’s visit supports Harris’s campaign in the critical state of Pennsylvania.
Obama Critiques Trump, Rallies Support for Harris in Pennsylvania
Deep Look
Former President Barack Obama kicked off a campaign tour in Pennsylvania on Thursday, urging Black men to support Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Obama’s visit aimed to energize voters in the crucial battleground state as he issued a passionate call for Black male voters to reject apathy and support the Democratic ticket. Speaking at a Pittsburgh campaign office, Obama reflected on reports of lower enthusiasm for Harris compared to his own historic campaigns, particularly among Black men, and voiced his concerns directly.
“I want to speak some truths here,” Obama told the volunteers, noting that some Black men are hesitant to vote for Harris. “Part of it makes me think that some of you aren’t feeling the idea of a woman president and are looking for reasons not to support her. But is that really the reason?” Obama challenged the notion, highlighting the importance of representation and Harris’s lifelong commitment to public service.
Obama offered a sharp critique of Donald Trump, calling out what he saw as Trump’s disregard for people of color and divisive rhetoric. “Supporting someone who has insulted you—because you think it’s strength? Real strength isn’t putting others down,” he argued, pointing to Trump’s history of demeaning comments. In a scathing remark about Trump’s social media presence, he mocked Trump’s “ranting and raving,” likening it to endless conspiracy-laden speeches, “like Fidel Castro—just on and on.”
Trump responded Friday by dismissing Obama’s critiques, instead claiming that Obama may secretly support him because of his doubts about Harris’s intelligence, a statement that drew criticism online. The exchange illustrates how Trump and Harris are vying for Black American support in the run-up to the election. According to a recent AP-NORC poll, Harris is viewed favorably by about 70% of Black voters, with both male and female voters expressing similar support levels. Trump, whose popularity among Black Americans remains low, is nonetheless targeting younger Black men, promoting his stances on economic issues, immigration, and family values.
Speaking to a large crowd at the University of Pittsburgh, Obama highlighted Harris’s experience and readiness. “Kamala is as prepared for the job as anyone who’s ever run,” he said, framing her as a champion for marginalized voices. As the nation’s first Black president, Obama’s appeal in Pennsylvania reinforced the historical significance of Harris’s candidacy as she seeks to become the first woman and first Black woman to serve as president.
Obama connected with the crowd, describing Trump’s campaign approach as a blend of “word salad” and blatant marketing, citing products like Trump’s “God Bless the USA” Bible and $399 sneakers. “Selling you the word of God with his name right beside it—that’s the kind of man we’re talking about,” he joked.
The campaign stop also highlighted voter frustrations and concerns over the economy, high costs, and social divisions that have marked the past few years. Obama acknowledged these challenges, but he argued that Trump would not bring positive change, saying, “I was the ‘hopey-changey’ guy—I get wanting something different. But choosing Trump again won’t be what’s good for you.”
In a personal appeal, Obama referenced Trump’s reaction to the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, citing a report that Trump dismissed concerns about his vice president’s safety during the attack. “If Trump doesn’t care about his own vice president’s life, do you really think he cares about yours?” Obama asked the audience.
Glenda Ellison, a retired Pittsburgh teacher attending the rally, expressed cautious optimism. “I’m a little nervous about this election,” she said, but she found hope in Obama’s message and connection with Black voters. “He was our first Black president, and that matters. His voice might sway some undecided voters.”
Obama has been one of the Democrats’ top campaigners, and his Pennsylvania rally reinforced the Democrats’ commitment to Black voter engagement. Pennsylvania, a historically significant state in U.S. elections, was a victory for Obama in both 2008 and 2012, flipped to Trump in 2016, and returned to Biden in 2020 by a narrow margin.
Obama’s appearance also lent support to Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senator Bob Casey, who is facing a challenge from Republican David McCormick, a Trump-endorsed candidate. With Election Day less than a month away, Pennsylvania remains a central focus, with both parties actively vying for its critical electoral votes.
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