Outrage as Barack Obama bashes Black men for making 'excuses' to not support Kamala Harris for president
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: Former president Barack Obama criticized Black men's unenthusiasm in supporting Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign, claiming they were making "excuses."
The 44th president, who was campaigning for the Democratic presidential nominee in Pennsylvania, made the remarks during a surprise visit to a campaign office in Pittsburgh on Thursday, October 10, reported CNN.
Admonishing the Black men's lack of enthusiasm for Harris' campaign, Obama said it was "not acceptable" for them to sit out the November election, and hinted that their reluctance to support Harris might be because she was a woman.
Barack Obama singles out Black men over lack of support for Kamala Harris
According to Obama, the spiritless campaign for Kamala Harris appeared to be "more pronounced with the brothers."
He noted if they were thinking about either not taking part in the election or backing a candidate who has a history of insulting the Black community and women, considering it a sign of strength was "not acceptable." His remarks apparently referred to Donald Trump.
He further accused them of sexism, asserting, "You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses, I’ve got a problem with that."
"Because 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," Obama added.
However, the former president directing the blame toward Black men was not well received by some Democrats.
In a CNN interview, former Democratic Ohio Senator Nina Turner questioned Obama why Black men were "lectured" and "belittled" over their reasons to vote for someone else.
Turner, who was the ex-co-chair of the Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign, added Obama singling out Black men was "wrong" because some had their reasons to vote differently, and their decisions should be respected.
Later, at a rally in Pittsburgh, Obama ripped Trump, citing his past disregard for the Constitution, disparaging comments against prisoners of war, and calling citizens "vermins."
He also slammed Trump for boasting about the economy under the Republican administration, claiming he passed on the "good" economy when the real estate mogul took office in 2017.
Barack Obama slammed for criticizing Black men for not backing Kamala Harris
Barack Obama's attempt to "shame votes out" of Black men was met with outrage online. Netizens on Facebook suggested that the former president had no right to tell people whom they should vote for.
"Where the hell does he get off trying to shame votes out of people? I don't tell my own kids how to vote," a Facebook user commented.
"He is telling them how to vote, how Democrat," another wrote.
"Shame on him shaming men for sexist reasons! Like a parent “I’ve got a problem with that” we don’t care that you have a problem with that. Stop scolding and talk to people as a peer instead of down to them!" added one person.
"Don't tell people who to vote for unless you will also pay their bills," wrote another
"He is the Great Divider! Pretends that he did a good job! He just wants to continue to be the Puppet Master. The Shadow 4th Term President," someone else argued.
"Lol she's giving everybody those reasons and excuses. Don't blame the voters for making a choice based on what they've been given," another said.
"The problem Obama has with Black Men is that they are correct in their thinking, Kamala is not their pick for President and Obama cannot Black Shame these Men into voting for her," an individual said.
"Obama is a joke. He needs to shut his forked tongue," another added.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
