Sage Steele joined "America's Newsroom" to react to former President Obama's recent comments. He called out Black men for not supporting VP Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. He also noted a shift toward Trump compared to previous years.
Steele described Obama's remarks as a "scolding." She pointed out that Black voters she's spoken with aren't receptive to his message this time around. Many feel disconnected from the political discourse.
SAGE STEELE: Honestly, it actually broke my heart because, to me, it was so blatant as to what it was. First of all, it really was a scolding. … There was a man in a parking lot that we were talking to yesterday. We had the truck bus out there, and he came up, and he said, I can't repeat what he said, actually. And he was livid. He said, 'why is he talking down to us? Don't scold us. Where have you been? Coming off of Martha's Vineyard and then lecturing us when it's convenient.' So, to me, it is very disturbing. The problem is he and they have gotten away with this kind of rhetoric for years. It's just that now they haven't been able to back anything up. And now you come in at the very last second, right? Three weeks before the election. And now you all of a sudden are going to tell us how to vote. Stop it.
And to me, I was refreshed. I think you guys, to hear these voters happen to be Black men and women who I was talking to yesterday say, no, no, no, we're not idiots. We see what you're doing. We see your timing, back off… I think so often Black people are told I mean, I've been told and you guys know my story a little bit, that if you look like this, you must vote a certain way. You must think a certain way and act a certain way and speak a certain way that is racist in its own right. And they even said yesterday they, people know that it's racist to say, I'm going to give you this for free because the color of your skin. I think so often the Democrats believe that Black men and women, especially younger, are too stupid or lazy to do their homework. Maybe in the past they didn't take things as seriously. I don't know. But I feel, I'm excited for this future, this younger generation, all races, of course, but in particular because there's so much focus now that the Democrats on the Black vote.
During a pre-campaign rally stop in Pittsburgh on Thursday, former President Barack Obama addressed Black Americans. He expressed concern over their lack of enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid. This contrasts sharply with the fervent support he received in 2008 and 2012.
Obama visited a campaign office in the Steel City before joining Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr., D-Pa., on stage. He remarked, "We have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all corners of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running."
He specifically noted a noticeable decline in support among Black men. "Now, I also want to say that that seems to be more pronounced with the brothers," he said. He urged them to consider the significance of their choice.
"When you have a choice that is this clean," Obama continued, "When on the one hand, you have somebody who grew up like you, went to college with you, understands the struggles and the pain and joy that comes from those experiences…"
His message seemed aimed at highlighting Harris’ background and qualifications. He urged voters to recognize the importance of supporting someone who can relate to their experiences.
Reports indicate that Obama contrasted Harris with former President Trump. He emphasized the need for unity and commitment within the Black community.
This moment reflects ongoing discussions about political engagement among Black voters. The enthusiasm that once characterized Obama’s campaigns is now being questioned.
Obama's remarks serve as a call to action. They highlight the importance of voter turnout and engagement. The stakes are high, and the political landscape is changing.