Former President Barack Obama is stepping back into the spotlight to support Vice President Kamala Harris as she campaigns ahead of the upcoming election. His involvement is seen as a strategic move to rally Black voters, a critical demographic where Harris is currently not achieving the same levels of support as President Biden did in 2020.
The Harris campaign announced that Obama will be traveling across key battleground states starting with Pittsburgh on Thursday, rallying voters in the last 27 days before Election Day.
Recent polls indicate that while Harris maintains a majority support among Black voters, she is not matching Biden’s 2020 numbers. For instance, a CNN poll shows her leading Donald Trump significantly, 79% to 16%. In the last election, Biden secured 92% of the Black vote, highlighting the importance of this demographic.
As the first Black president, Obama has a lasting charm with the Democratic electorate. His efforts could inspire undecided Black voters to support Harris, who aims to break barriers as potentially the first Black woman and first Asian American president.
The stakes appear high, especially in competitive states like Georgia and Pennsylvania where elections can be won by narrow margins.
Analysts suggest that nostalgia for Obama could favor Harris, particularly as she attempts to recapture the ‘hope and change’ ethos from his 2008 campaign. However, it’s noted that she faces challenges in delivering this message effectively while being part of the current administration.
Eric Schultz, an adviser to Obama, emphasizes that the former president believes the upcoming election is crucial, stating he is committed to helping Harris, Governor Tim Walz, and other Democrats succeed. With voters already casting ballots, the focus is on mobilization and persuasion in pivotal states.
Obama’s previous fundraising efforts have significantly benefitted the campaign, with $76 million raised in this election cycle alone.
Additionally, Obama played a behind-the-scenes role in encouraging Biden to withdraw from the race after a challenging debate, which led to the Obama couple endorsing Harris. During his speech at the Democratic convention, Obama praised Harris for her dedication to advocating for those in need and urged supporters to take action in the upcoming days.
“If everyone plays their part—whether it’s knocking on doors or having meaningful conversations—we can elect Kamala Harris as the next president,” he stated, rallying the base to unite for a forward-looking vision of America.