Obama’s Challenge to Black Men: Don’t Fall for Trump’s Lies

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election. Former President Barack Obama just ignited a firestorm of debate about Black men and manhood. Speaking to Black men in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Obama warned about the attitude of “sitting out” of the election “or supporting somebody who has a history of denigrating you because you think that’s a sign of strength.” “Putting women down” is “not acceptable,” he said.  His comment sparked criticism from those who felt Obama was scolding Black men again. I have a more nuanced take with two key points. Black Men Are a Success Story First, Black men are a success story for Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party. After all the gaslighting from Republicans about Black men leaving the Democratic Party four years ago, Joe Biden won 87%  of the vote from Black men in 2020. That makes us the second most loyal constituency of the Democratic Party. Only Black women, who voted 95% for Biden, are more supportive.  A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last month found Black men overwhelmingly support Harris over Trump on...