Former President Barack Obama actively campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris Thursday night at a rally held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spotlighting the pivotal nature of this battleground state as the 2024 election approaches. With just weeks until Election Day, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are neck-and-neck with their opponent, former President Donald Trump.
During the rally, Obama took the opportunity to critique Trump's record on various issues, including healthcare, abortion access, and immigration, drawing attention to the stakes of the upcoming election. One of the highlights of the evening was when Obama likened Trump’s character to the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, emphasizing the need for integrity and honesty among leaders.
The former president chastised Trump for his handling of the recent Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton disasters, asserting, "You have leaders who are going to try to help and then you have a guy who will just lie about it to score political points, and this has consequences." He expressed concern over the erosion of trust and truthfulness in political discourse, stating, “When did it become OK?” to deceive those who are vulnerable.
Polls indicate Pennsylvania is increasingly competitive, with some surveys showing Trump leading by the slightest margin, and others positioning Harris marginally ahead. This tight race makes Obama's influence even more significant, as he remains one of the most popular figures within the Democratic Party, carrying a 55 percent favorability rating among voters there.
Addressing concerns about Harris's appeal, particularly among male voters, including Black and Latino demographics, Obama directly sought to connect with these groups. He heralded Harris as “an excellent president,” and promised to devote time and effort alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama to help propel her campaign forward.
"It’s times like this when you realize having honest, competent leadership really matters," Obama said, stressing the importance of supporting not just the presidential ticket but also local candidates who embody shared values. He called on attendees to vote for candidates like Senator Bob Casey and others who can work alongside Harris to advance collective goals.
Throughout the rally, Obama underscored the stark contrasts between Harris and Trump, urging voters to be wary of misinformation, particularly surrounding disaster response and climate issues. Emphasizing the role of trust and honesty, he stated, “The idea of intentionally trying to deceive people... has consequences.”
Trump, meanwhile, has been vocal about his disdain for Harris, stating, “If Kamala Harris gets four more years, she will annihilate the Pennsylvania energy industry, plunging communities across this commonwealth...” His approach is characterized by outright hostility and unrestrained criticism, even going so far as to declare during another rally, "I don’t want to be nice," underscoring his combative style as he braces for the imminent election.
Appearing determined to rally his base, Trump insisted during his own campaign stop, "We need a free and fair press badly, desperately," which appeared sarcastically timed against the backdrop of Harris's media engagements.
Obama's rally isn’t just about energetic speeches; it carries the weight of years of political experience and mystique from his presidencies, particularly as he focuses on motivational issues such as economic recovery, healthcare, and equitable leadership during crises.
He took the opportunity to ladle praise on Harris’s proposed $6,000 child tax credit and $50,000 tax credit for small business startups. Obama contrasted Harris's concrete plans with what he described as Trump's vagueness, insisting, "Kamala Harris will give you... plans to make your life easier, unlike some concepts of plans we hear from the other side."
With the potential to sway undecided voters and energize the Democratic base leading up to the election, Obama's effectiveness as a campaigner is being tested on this frontline. Voter turnout among younger Americans, historically lower, is also on his mind as he seeks to ignite enthusiasm for the cause.
Obama concluded his rally by reiteratively emphasizing participation at all levels of government, encouraging attendees to think beyond just voting for the presidency. He noted, “It isn't just about the presidency... the local elections matter too, and you have the power to influence the outcome.”
The rally served not only as a platform to support Harris and Walz but also as a reminder of the societal and political responsibilities tied to voting. By rallying his supporters around these leaders, Obama is attempting to navigate through the choppy waters of current political divides, pressuring constituents to engage thoughtfully and decisively before the polls close.
The stakes are high this year, and with Obama back on the campaign trail, both his supporters and opponents are bracing for what could become one of the most intense electoral battles yet.
