US presidential election: Obama tells Black men to stop 'excuses' and support Harris instead of Trump

Former United States President Barack Obama on Thursday (Oct 10) made his first appearance on the campaign trail for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris urged men in particular to support the vice president and not make any "excuses". 

Obama was speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania and at an event for Black voters, where he specifically urged the Black men in the swing state to support Harris. 

He questioned their unwillingness to vote for her. According to a September NAACP poll, over one-quarter of Black men under 50 say they will vote for Republican presidential candidate  Donald Trump. 

“We have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running. Now, I also want to say that that seems to be more pronounced with the brothers,” Obama said.

Also read: Barack Obama to hold 27-day campaign sprint for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris

“You’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses. I’ve got a problem with that. 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 reasons for that," the former president said. 

Obama added, "When we get in trouble and the system isn’t working for us, they’re the ones out there marching and protesting.”

The former US president while addressing the Fitzgerald Field House in Pittsburgh, called on residents of the crucial swing state to vote for Harris and down-ballot for other Democratic candidates like Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey.

Watch | US Elections: Obama Hits Campaign Trail For Harris | Vance Stops For Town Hall In North Carolina

“We need a president who actually cares about solving problems and making your life better, and that’s what Kamala Harris will do,” Obama said. “And to help her do it, she will need a Senate full of serious public servants like Bob Casey.”

According to recent surveys released by Quinnipiac University, Harris was leading in Pennsylvania, but polling between her and Trump has been close.

Obama-Harris' bond during the campaigns 

Barack Obama and Kamala Harris have been supporting each other's campaigns for a long time now. Harris was an early supporter of Obama’s long-shot bid against Hilary Clinton, starting in 2007 when she knocked on doors for him ahead of the Iowa caucuses.

Similarly, in 2010, Obama backed Harris when she ran for attorney-general of California, calling her "a dear, dear friend of mine". 

Further slamming Trump in his Pittsburgh event, Obama said, "This election is going to be tight because there are a lot of Americans who are still struggling out there.” 

“I get why people are looking to shake things up. I mean, I am the hope-y, change-y guy. So I understand people feeling frustrated. We can do better. What I cannot understand is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that is good for you."

He added, "The good news is, Kamala Harris – she doesn’t have concepts for a plan. She has an actual plan to make your life better.”

Obama's 'diaper' joke at Trump

Taking another jibe at the Republican presidential candidate, Obama shared a personal story related to the high cost of diapers when his first daughter Malia was born in 1998. “I remember buying diapers after Malia was born and thinking, ‘That’s how much they cost?’” Obama said to the crowd.

“Do you think Donald Trump ever changed a diaper?” Barack Obama said. 

The crowd laughed and someone in the audience quickly responded, "His own!". Obama laughed and pointed to the audience member, clearly amused by the joke.

“I almost said that,” the former US president chuckled, “But I decided I shouldn’t say it.”

(With inputs from agencies)