Vice President Harris is rolling out new policies aimed at improving the economic and career prospects of black men.
The Harris campaign's “Opportunity Policy for Black Men” was announced on Monday in response to comments made by former President Obama that went viral online, in which he said black male voters lacked enthusiasm to support Harris. This happened just four days after he was reprimanded. President Obama's comments came as polls show former President Trump gaining support among black men, who have traditionally been some of the Democratic Party's most reliable supporters.
With just over three weeks left until Election Day, the Harris campaign says Black men will have “opportunities to advance and grow” by equipping them with “the tools to achieve economic freedom and reduce the cost of living.” I would like to focus on the topic of supporting people to do more. Let's better feed ourselves and our families and protect our rights. ”
Obama repeatedly takes aim at Trump while stumbling on Harris
Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Harris speaks at a campaign event at East Carolina University on October 13, 2024 in Greenville, North Carolina (AP Photo/David Iasel)
Proposals include providing 1 million fully forgivable loans to Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs, helping Black men get well-paying jobs in high-demand industries and lead in their communities. This includes supporting useful education, training and mentorship programs. Become a teacher.
Also highlighted in the campaign are regulatory frameworks that protect Black men's investments in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, sickle cell disease, diabetes, mental health, and prostate cancer with a focus on Black men. A health equity initiative that addresses cancer and other health challenges that disproportionately impact Black men. , and creating opportunities for Black Americans in the recreational marijuana industry.
Trump-supporting black groups fight back against Obama
Former Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond, national co-chair of the Harris campaign, said the new agenda is about “the tools black men have to prosper, including buying a home, raising a family, starting a business, and building.” The aim is to ensure that students acquire the following.” wealth. “
“Donald Trump may not be as interested in giving hard-working Americans the tools they need to get ahead,” Richmond said. “While Vice President Harris promises to give Black men the tools they need to pursue our dreams and aspirations, Donald Trump is promising Black Americans a national nightmare. ”
Republican presidential candidate and former President Trump attends a rally in Coachella, California, on October 12, 2024. (Reuters/Mike Blake)
To help spread the message, the Harris campaign announced this week that it will partner with Black male celebrities, influencers and activists to host “Black Men Come Together” events in key battleground states. The campaign also emphasizes enlisting the support of influential entrepreneurs in what it calls a series of “economic freedom talks” with Black business owners.
The new initiative comes as Democrats worry that support among black men, especially young black men, for Harris, who would make history if elected as the nation's first female president, is wavering. It was carried out in the midst of increasing efforts.
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Harris and Trump are locked in a close race in seven key battleground states, and the narrow margins will likely determine President Biden's victory over Trump in 2020 and the winner of the 2024 White House election. . Losing support among black voters, especially black men, could be costly for the vice president.
Speaking Thursday at Harris' campaign office in Pittsburgh, President Obama recalled the growing support among black voters that fueled his desire for history in 2008, when he became the nation's first black president. He frankly said he couldn't understand why Harris didn't enjoy the same level of enthusiasm, noting that the hesitation was “more pronounced with the brothers.”
Former President Obama speaks at a campaign event supporting Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh on October 10, 2024. (Reuters/Quinn Grabicki)
“You're coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses,” Obama said. “There's a problem with that.”
The former president spoke directly to black men, saying, “Part of it makes me wonder if you just don't feel the idea of having a woman as president, and you're coming up with other alternatives and other reasons.” he said. that. “
As expected, Trump's black supporters were quick to condemn the former president.
“President Obama's recent call for black men to support Kamala Harris solely because of the color of her skin, not her policies, is extremely insulting,” the Black Men's Advisory Council for President Trump said over the weekend. ' he claimed.
However, some Democrats criticized the former president's comments, arguing that President Obama was unfairly admonishing black men, without garnering sympathy from other groups that are also increasing support for President Trump. Some people did.
In another pitch to black voters, Harris will travel to the battleground state of Detroit on Tuesday to sit in on a town hall debate with Charlamagne tha God, a radio talk show host popular with black listeners.
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