Race Politics: Obama Gets onto “Brothas” for Not Voting Kamala
October 13, 2024.png)
Key Takeaways
- Barack Obama’s appeal to black men about voting for Harris sparked discussion of race politics and representation.
- Voters express political fatigue and disillusionment—particularly younger voters who feel disconnected from Democratic leadership.
- Despite widespread skepticism, Obama's message still holds potential to mobilize certain segments of the black electorate, though much of the response is negative.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters, Black Voters
Sample Size
4,500
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
1 Day
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Recently, Barack Obama appealed to black men, addressing them as "brothas," urging support for Kamala Harris. MIG Reports analysis shows wide-ranging and polarized reactions on social media.
NEW: Former President Barack Obama says the "brothas" aren't turning out for Kamala Harris like they did for him.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 10, 2024
The comments from Obama came during an event at the University of Pittsburgh where Obama sounded the alarm on black voters.
"We have not yet seen the same kinds of… pic.twitter.com/v77CHcOv2A
The response to Obama’s call brings up issues of identity, representation, and disillusionment within the black community—particularly black men. While there is support for and skepticism toward Obama's message, many raise questions about the larger implications of Democrats losing critical voter groups.
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Reaction Trends
Skepticism and Criticism
Around 65-70% of reactions to Obama’s comments are skeptical or outright critical. Voters question Kamala Harris's authenticity as a representative of black Americans, citing concerns that her background and political record do not resonate with the struggles of black men.
Critics largely perceive Obama’s lecture as political manipulation, designed to rally votes without offering meaningful engagement with their concerns. The criticism extends to both Obama and Harris, with many expressing frustration that Democratic elites are disconnected from the economic and social struggles of the communities they claim to represent.
Support for Obama and Harris
Only 20-25% of voters react with support for Obama’s message. This group resonates with his call for racial solidarity. They view the appeal as a necessary rallying cry for empowering black leaders, emphasizing the importance of unity behind Harris.
Supporters believe voting for Harris represents a larger effort to secure political representation for marginalized voices, especially in a time of heightened political stakes. For these voters, Obama’s message carries the weight of moral and racial duty to uplift black leaders in positions of power.
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Neutral or Indifferent Reactions
Another 10-15% make neutral or indifferent comments toward Obama’s appeal. They view his call as a standard political maneuver—lacking any significant personal relevance or emotional connection.
They perceive the plea as part of routine political rhetoric rather than a heartfelt call to action. For this group, the message does not resonate deeply enough to move their political allegiances or inspire any meaningful change in perspectives of Harris or the Democratic Party.
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Identity and Representation
Across all discussions, the tension between identity politics and political authenticity is a recurring theme. Critical voters feel Obama used identity as leverage or as a political tool, with little regard for the true needs of black men.
Kamala Harris’s identity as a black woman is both a potential point of connection and a source of division. Many black voters feel her policies and political stances do not adequately address the challenges they face. A struggle between representation and authentic engagement is infused in skepticism about Obama's message.
Political Fatigue and Disillusionment
Voters also discuss political fatigue and disillusionment, especially among younger black voters. There is a feeling that Democratic leadership has failed to deliver on promises of change. People often mention economic instability, housing, and systemic inequality in their critical responses.
People are frustrated with empty rhetoric from political elites, with little tangible impact on their daily lives. This sense of betrayal and disillusionment has led to growing political apathy and a reluctance to engage in traditional political processes.
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Fractured Political Loyalties
There is a fracture within the black electorate, with many black men feeling increasingly alienated from the Democratic Party. Skepticism toward Harris and the perceived disconnect between political leaders and the community leads to a shift in political loyalties.
This divide is particularly pronounced among younger voters, who are less likely to feel bound by traditional party lines. They are more inclined to question the authenticity and effectiveness of their political representatives.
Potential for Engagement
Despite overwhelming criticism and political fatigue, Obama's message still holds the potential to mobilize certain segments of the black electorate. For those who resonate with his call for unity, the appeal could serve as a rallying point for increased political activism.
However, high levels of skepticism and disillusionment may make it difficult for the Democratic Party to get engagement and voter turnout. Moving forward, the party will need to address these deeper concerns if it hopes to retain the support of black voters, particularly black men.
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