Why Aren't Black and Hispanic Men Backing Kamala Harris?

Vice President Kamala Harris is facing a rough patch in the polls among black and Hispanic men. Her campaign team is worried, especially in key states like Pennsylvania and Michigan for black men, and Arizona and Nevada for Hispanic men. They've seen a lack of excitement in cities like Detroit and Philadelphia. Even in these communities, support is divided between Harris and former President Donald Trump. Harris's team is pulling out all the stops, inviting celebrities like NBA legend Magic Johnson to campaign events. Even former President Barack Obama came out of his post-presidency bubble to speak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had a strong message for black men: he thinks they might be sexist for not supporting Harris. Obama said, "You're coming up with reasons and excuses. I think part of it is that you're not comfortable with the idea of a woman as president." He added that women have always supported men, and not backing Harris means putting down women.

But is it fair to say that? Harris isn't a stand-in for every woman in a man's life. She's a politician, and like all politicians, she doesn't know or care about every individual personally. Black men aren't obligated to vote for Harris just because she's a woman. The same goes for other groups, like Hispanic men, white men, and even women who might not support her. Obama knows Harris doesn't have much to offer voters in terms of successful policies. The Biden administration, where she serves, has faced criticism. Harris has also distanced herself from some policies she supported during her 2020 presidential run. So, the Democratic Party is left shaming minority men for not following their party's ideas about racial political loyalty. This kind of divisive politics has been around since Obama's presidency.

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