During a recent campaign event in Pittsburgh, former President Barack Obama addressed the issue of black men's support for Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. He expressed concern over their reluctance to back Harris, suggesting that discomfort with the idea of a female president might be influencing their stance. It is "unacceptable" for them not to vote, Obama said.
For many black men, the crux of the issue isn’t about gender at all; it’s about whether Harris’ policies and leadership can positively impact their lives. They are tired of empty promises that never materialize into real change or meaningful progress. They want concrete solutions to urgent issues like economic prosperity, education reform and healthcare. By pressuring them to vote for Harris based on her gender, Obama flat-out ignored their concerns.
The historical context is important. For decades, blacks have often been taken for granted by politicians, especially within the Democratic Party. This has fostered a sense of disillusionment among many black men, who feel that their concerns and needs are overlooked in favor of political expediency.
By focusing on gender identity, Obama deliberately overlooked the valid concerns black men have about Harris, namely, that she doesn’t represent their interests or address the pressing issues they face.
These questions are central to understanding why black men feel disconnected from Harris:
What specific policies does Harris have to address the challenges facing black communities?
Most importantly, how has her record as a prosecutor, particularly her role in high incarceration rates, shaped her current approach to criminal justice reform and its impact on black men and their families?
Black men should have their voices heard and their concerns respected. If they believe Harris’ policies fail to address what’s important to them, they have every right to express skepticism, rather than being criticized for not backing her. Voting is about choosing leaders who can deliver real, tangible results that uplift families and create opportunities. Many black men question whether Harris has the capacity to be that leader.
While women and other groups are frequently asked about their reasons for supporting a candidate, Obama engaged these black men in a different manner. He didn’t inquire about the issues that matter to them, or their views on the direction of the country. Instead, Obama arrogantly chose to reprimand them.
I strongly oppose Obama's attempt to guilt-trip black men into supporting Harris. His approach was not only condescending, but dismissive, as he presumed to know what was best for them without taking the time to genuinely listen to their concerns or perspectives.
Several Democrats publicly expressed frustration with Obama’s remarks. But don’t be misled – this was purely damage control. They also agree with Obama; they just didn’t want to risk losing the support of black men.
Black men should be empowered to participate in politics on their own terms, driven by their values, ideas and authentic solutions for their communities. They deserve encouragement to make informed choices instead of feeling coerced into voting. They have the right to choose candidates who truly reflect their interests and offer meaningful solutions to the issues that matter most to them.
If Obama genuinely cared about the well-being of black men, he would listen to their concerns and actively address the real challenges they face, rather than impose his views on how they should vote.
Black men deserve to be heard, not lectured.
To contact KCarl or request a speaking engagement, go to www.kcarlinc.com The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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