Obama rallies male Pennsylvania voters to support Harris presidency

On October 10, 2024, former U.S. President Barack Obama held a campaign rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, urging voters—particularly men—to back Vice President Kamala Harris in her tight race against former President Donald Trump.

With less than a month until the election, Obama’s address focused on discrediting Trump’s persona while emphasizing Harris’s preparedness for the presidency.

Obama criticized Trump’s divisive rhetoric, appealing to male voters who may be drawn to Trump’s bravado. “Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves,” Obama told the crowd, aiming to counter the narrative that Trump’s tough image equates to leadership.

He also pointed to Harris’s concrete policies, including plans for housing and taxes, contrasting them with Trump’s vague promises.

Obama’s rally marked his first major appearance on the campaign trail for Harris, who assumed the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden stepped aside in July following a poor debate performance.

Harris, currently campaigning in Arizona and Nevada, faces an uphill battle, particularly among male voters and Black men, who Obama suggested might be hesitant to support a female candidate for president.

This rally is part of a broader effort by Democrats to energize their base ahead of the November 5 election.

Obama will campaign in other battleground states, while former President Bill Clinton is also slated to stump for Harris in Georgia and North Carolina.

Pennsylvania, a key swing state, is critical to both campaigns. Polls show a razor-thin margin, with a recent survey by The Hill and Emerson College putting Trump at 49% and Harris at 48%.

Pennsylvania’s young voters are a significant target, but voter registration for those under 30 has fallen 15% compared to 2020, raising concerns about turnout.

Obama’s presence is seen as vital to motivating these voters, many of whom are disillusioned by international crises like the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Beyond the rally circuit, Obama has been instrumental in boosting Harris’s campaign financially.

He helped raise $80 million for her campaign, contributing to the $1 billion total that Harris and Biden’s campaigns have jointly raised since she became the Democratic nominee.

In July, Harris’s campaign reported raising $200 million in just one week, bolstered by small-dollar contributions. This financial surge has given Harris a cash advantage over Trump, whose campaign raised $138.7 million in July.

Obama has long been a key figure in Harris’s political ascent.

He endorsed her during the Democratic primaries in 2020 and has continued to offer behind-the-scenes support.

In August, both Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama gave powerful speeches at the Democratic National Convention, endorsing Harris as a leader who can unite a divided nation.

As Harris and Trump vie for the presidency, Pennsylvania remains a battleground that could determine the election’s outcome.

Obama closed his Pittsburgh rally by urging Pennsylvanians to choose progress and reject Trump’s divisiveness.

"We are ready for a better story, one that helps us work together," Obama said, portraying Harris as the candidate poised to turn the page on the Trump era.

With early voting already underway in key states, the Harris campaign is ramping up efforts to solidify support and energize voters in these critical final weeks.

4o