Obama Urges Men to Back Kamala Harris, Criticizes Trump in Pennsylvania Rally

Barack Obama made a bold appearance on the campaign trail for Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of supporting her candidacy, especially among men. Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state, the former president made a direct appeal to Black men, urging them to drop any reservations and excuses about voting for Harris, particularly in light of troubling polling data. According to a September NAACP survey, over a quarter of Black men under 50 in Pennsylvania expressed support for Donald Trump.

In a speech at one of Harris’s campaign offices, Obama addressed the concerns, saying, “We have not yet seen the same energy and turnout in all quarters of our communities as we saw when I was running. That seems to be more pronounced with the brothers. You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses. I’ve got a problem with that.” He speculated that some men might be uncomfortable with the prospect of a woman president. “Part of it makes me think that you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president,” he added.

Obama made a passionate case for Harris’s leadership, highlighting her dedication to fighting for marginalized communities and drawing attention to her efforts during moments of national crises. “When we get in trouble and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting,” he reminded the audience.

Rally in Pittsburgh Draws Thousands

Later that evening, Obama addressed a larger crowd at the Fitzgerald Field House in Pittsburgh, where thousands of supporters turned out to hear him rally for Harris and down-ballot Democrats, including Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, who is up for re-election. With Pennsylvania holding 19 crucial electoral college votes, the state could determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, making it a critical battleground for both Harris and Trump.

Obama praised Harris for her focus on solving real problems, saying, “We need a president who actually cares about making your life better, and that’s what Kamala Harris will do.” He also called for the re-election of Casey, describing him as a "serious public servant" who would help Harris enact meaningful policies.

The Stakes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is not only pivotal for the presidential election but also for control of the Senate. Recent polls show Harris leading in the state, but the race remains tight, reflecting national tensions. Casey, meanwhile, faces a strong Republican opponent, David McCormick, a businessman with ties to Wall Street and Russian debt, which Obama and Casey both criticized during the rally.

“These out-of-state billionaires are spending more than $100 million to defeat me in this race,” Casey told the crowd. “But I got news for those billionaires. I’m going to beat David McCormick, and I’m going to beat those billionaires.”

Addressing Voter Frustration

Acknowledging the hardships many Americans face, from inflation to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 recovery, Obama offered empathy but urged voters not to be swayed by Trump’s rhetoric. He reminded the crowd of his own campaign’s message of hope and change, saying, “I get it why people are looking to shake things up. I mean, I am the hope-y, change-y guy. What I cannot understand is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you.”

Obama emphasized that Harris has concrete plans to improve the lives of working-class Americans, dismissing Trump’s approach as reckless and harmful. His criticism was sharp: “Some men seem to think Trump’s behavior of bullying and putting people down is a sign of strength. That is not what real strength is. Real strength is about helping people when they need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves.”

A Broader Democratic Push

Obama’s rally was part of a larger, coordinated Democratic effort to secure key swing states. While Obama stumped in Pennsylvania, other Democratic figures were campaigning across the country. Former President Bill Clinton toured the South, focusing on Georgia and North Carolina, while Senator Bernie Sanders hosted events in Michigan. Vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz campaigned in Wisconsin, and Michelle Obama re-launched her “Party at the Polls” initiative, aiming to boost voter turnout.

Meanwhile, on the Republican side, Trump and his running mate JD Vance were also making their presence known. Trump delivered remarks in Detroit, while Vance held a town hall in Greensboro, North Carolina, underscoring the fierce battle for votes in crucial states.

Final Push to November

With the election drawing closer, Obama’s message to Pennsylvania voters was clear: this is a critical moment for the country, and their votes for Harris and Democratic candidates like Casey could shape the nation’s future. He implored men, particularly Black men, to reconsider their stance on Harris and to vote for a leader who, in his view, would bring genuine strength and solutions to the White House. As the campaigns race toward the finish line, Pennsylvania remains a pivotal battleground for both parties.