Staff Reports
Kamala Harris recently unleashed a wave of condescension aimed at black men during an appearance on MSNBC with Al Sharpton. In an attempt to gain ground in the tumultuous race for support, she brushed off any black men who don’t support her candidacy by labeling them as “misogynist.” It seems Harris believes that dissent against her campaign is not just a difference of opinion, but an outright attack on women. What this approach overlooks is that alienating potential supporters is not the best strategy for winning hearts or votes.
Despite her lofty claims, the reality is that Harris is struggling to win over men, particularly black men, who are becoming increasingly disillusioned with her leadership. The latest NBC News poll shows former President Donald Trump leading among men by a whopping 16 points. The numbers continue to be unfavorable for Harris, as recent polling indicates that only 80 percent of black men express support for her, while a concerning one in four black males under 50 have thrown their weight behind Trump. This trend is proof that chastising voters as misogynists isn’t a winning tactic; it’s a recipe for further alienation.
SHARPTON: Are men "misogynist" if they don't support you?
KAMALA: "I think that you are absolutely right." pic.twitter.com/8tvRqDUXTJ
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 20, 2024
When questioned about whether the resistance she faces was rooted in misogyny, Harris didn’t hesitate to point fingers, cementing her position that support for her should be mandatory across the board. Her self-righteous attitude might make for good television but is unlikely to resonate with voters who are more interested in tangible results than whimsical accusations. Harris’s perception of resistance doesn’t match the reality that many black men care about issues impacting their lives rather than ticking a box for female leadership.
In desperate times, every political campaign has its bright ideas, and Harris’s team recently rolled out an “Agenda for Black Men.” However, the proposal, which included the legalization of marijuana and a series of programs that some community leaders found insulting, was met with skepticism. The notion that marijuana would be a priority in a community battling various crises was met with disappointment, leading to the campaign’s swift backtrack. Instead of focusing on what truly matters, the Harris campaign demonstrated a shocking level of disconnect from the very demographics they are attempting to woo.
Trump, on the other hand, has expertly crafted a resonant message for black voters by focusing on the injustices they face. His narrative of being unfairly targeted by the justice system mirrors the historical discrimination faced by the black community. This strategic framing invites connections between his experiences and those of potential voters, allowing him to resonate with audiences who feel overlooked by the establishment. It’s a reminder that, while Harris may hurl accusations, it’s authenticity and address of pressing concerns that will win the votes—not shaming voters for their choices.
