Former President Barack Obama’s first rally appearance in support of Kamala Harris since she secured the nomination without winning a single primary vote is already making waves, and not necessarily in a good way.
During his speech, Obama delivered his signature blend of tough talk, specifically targeting Black men for their lack of enthusiasm toward Harris. Using his well-worn “man of the streets” persona, he told the crowd that Donald Trump “didn’t do nothing” while pointing the finger at Black men for not fully embracing Harris’s campaign.
Obama tut tutting the “brothas” for not blindly supporting Kamala Harris while he lives in a mansion on Martha’s Vineyard is perfect. Absolutely perfect. pic.twitter.com/gMQcKzhqnL
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) October 11, 2024
This is familiar territory for Obama. During his presidency, he routinely blamed George W. Bush for the problems he faced but took full credit for any positive developments once he left office. It’s a convenient logic: if things are good, it’s because of him, but if they’re bad, someone else is to blame. Under this reasoning, shouldn’t the strong economy Harris keeps talking up belong to Trump?
Scott Jennings’ response on CNN hit the nail on the head, highlighting the core issue Democrats face with male voters. Jennings noted that the Democratic Party, which often dismisses traditional notions of gender, is suddenly surprised that they’re struggling with male voters, particularly moderate and working-class men.
Obama on the Trump economy being strong
“Yeah, it was pretty good. Because it was my economy”
“He didn’t do nothing”
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) October 10, 2024
His point about Democrats insulting their base when they can’t convince them to fall in line is especially poignant. Jennings drew a parallel between Obama’s current rhetoric toward Black men and his past condescension toward rural voters during his presidential campaigns.
In a desperate attempt to reconnect with men, the Harris campaign has sent Minnesota Governor Tim Walz out to do some good ol’ fashioned male bonding—shooting guns and attending football games. It’s a tone-deaf approach, a laughable effort to woo men who feel increasingly alienated by the Democratic platform.
Dems struggling with men of all races and Obama goes out and insults them? Discussed on @cnn. pic.twitter.com/jqEc5oE6dV
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) October 11, 2024
As Jennings remarked, Walz doesn’t have the magic appeal the campaign seems to think he does. He’s more like a sitcom dad running errands, not someone male voters, especially those on the fence, are likely to find relatable.
This gets to the heart of the issue: it’s not Harris’s gender that’s turning men away. It’s the consequences of her policies and the dismissive attitude that comes with them. Finger-wagging lectures, especially from elites like Obama, only add to the problem.
Scoop – Tim Walz to kick off man-focused media blitz.
– GMA intv with Michael Strahan on football field
– MI events on Friday, geared toward Black men
– Friday night lights @ Mankato West
– Pheasant hunting with social media influencers https://t.co/kT9mqsVBKa— Elena Schneider (@ec_schneider) October 10, 2024
Democrats are attempting a superficial fix—sending out Walz to “man up” the campaign—when what’s needed is genuine outreach and policies that resonate with everyday concerns. Unfortunately for them, their go-to strategy of insult and condescension is unlikely to bridge the growing gap with male voters.
