Kamala Harris has been making waves in the political world ever since she was chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate in the 2020 election. As the first Black and Asian American woman to be selected as a Vice Presidential candidate for a major party, she has been lauded for breaking barriers and inspiring young girls and women of color. However, there is one issue that seems to be plaguing her campaign – her lack of support among Black voters.
Despite being a Black woman herself, Harris has struggled to gain traction with this crucial voting bloc. This was made evident when former President Barack Obama recently gave a speech in Pittsburgh, in which he called out Black men for not backing Harris and labeled it as “unacceptable.” This statement has sparked a debate among political pundits and has also made it clear that Obama himself can sense the problem Harris is facing.
So why is Harris facing a problem with Black voters? And what does this mean for her chances in the upcoming election?
One of the main reasons for Harris’ struggle with Black voters can be attributed to her past as a prosecutor. During her time as a district attorney and attorney general in California, she has faced criticism for her tough stance on crime and her record of locking up Black men. This has caused many in the Black community to question her commitment to criminal justice reform and to view her as part of the “law and order” system that has disproportionately affected people of color.
Another factor that has contributed to Harris’ problem with Black voters is the fact that she is not seen as “Black enough” by some. Harris’s father is Jamaican and her mother is Indian, leading to some questioning her connection to the Black community. This sentiment was echoed by rapper and activist, Ice Cube, who stated that Harris “wasn’t raised like Black people” and that her identity is “confusing.” This type of criticism has only added to the perception that Harris is not relatable to the average Black American, leading to a lack of support from this demographic.
However, it is important to note that Harris is not solely to blame for this problem. The Democratic party as a whole has a history of taking the Black vote for granted and not doing enough to address issues that are important to this community. This has led to a sense of disillusionment and apathy among some Black voters, who may feel that their voices are not being heard or that their votes do not make a difference. As a result, many may choose not to vote at all, rather than choosing between two candidates they do not fully support.
But why did Obama feel the need to address this issue during his speech? As the first Black President and someone who has enjoyed widespread support among Black voters, Obama has a unique perspective on the importance of this demographic in the upcoming election. He knows that in order for Biden and Harris to win, they cannot afford to lose support among Black voters. He also understands the impact of his words and the influence he still holds within the Black community.
Obama’s call to action for Black men to support Harris is not just about her, but about the larger significance of this election. It is about choosing leaders who will listen to and address the concerns of the Black community, rather than dismissing them. It is about using our voices and our votes to make a change and hold those in power accountable. And it is about recognizing that our votes do matter and can make a difference in shaping the future of our country.
In the end, Kamala Harris may have a serious problem with Black voters, but it is a problem that can be overcome. It will require her to address the criticisms and concerns raised by the Black community and to work towards earning their trust and support. It will also require the Democratic party to actively engage with and prioritize the issues that are important to this demographic. And it will require all of us, as Black voters, to realize the power of our vote and use it to make our voices heard.
So let us take Obama’s words to heart and not let apathy or disillusionment keep us from making our voices heard in this election. Let us stand united and support Kamala Harris, not just because she is a Black woman, but because she is a strong and capable leader who can help bring about much-needed change. And let us remember that our votes can make a difference in shaping the future of our country – a future that we all have a stake in.
