Staff Reports
Barack Obama has taken to the campaign trail to support Kamala Harris, echoing a familiar rhetoric that might leave many wondering: is race the only reason to vote? His attempt to connect with Black voters by urging them to unite behind a fellow Black politician, regardless of her policies or track record, raises significant questions about the integrity of his message.
When Obama talks to Black men, he seems to suggest that their shared skin color automatically translates to shared interests and values. This notion is not only reductive but downright insulting. It implies that the color of one’s skin should dictate political allegiance. Voters today should seek leaders who address their concerns and offer real solutions—not simply those who belong to the same “victim class.” While it is true that individual experiences can be shaped by race, it hardly means that every Black voter should vote for Harris just because she’s also Black.
Obama’s approach lacks a crucial element: a solid argument for why Kamala Harris would improve people’s lives. Throughout his campaigning, he fails to outline any compelling reasons to support her. Instead, he leans heavily on identity politics, suggesting that being part of the “victim class” is enough to earn a vote. This is an odd approach for someone who previously championed the idea of rising above racial divisions. It seems like a bizarre game of bingo—if you find someone who shares your demographic, you just mark that box without questioning whether they represent your values, opinions, or needs.
This rhetoric isn’t just exclusive to Obama; it reflects a broader trend among certain liberal elites who insist that race overrides the quality of policies or leadership. Writers like Ta-Nehisi Coates, who share similar views, emphasize shared victimhood and collective struggle. However, there’s a clear distinction between advocating for social justice and pigeonholing people based on their race. The latter serves only to sow division and discourage individual thought.
Ultimately, voters—regardless of their racial identity—should reclaim their political agency. They should demand accountability and real results from their leaders, rather than settling for superficial connections like ethnicity. If Kamala Harris wishes to earn the trust of voters, she must focus on practical issues that resonate with their daily lives. After all, the color of one’s skin does not dictate the content of one’s character, nor should it define political loyalty. In a world hungry for genuine leadership, it’s time for voters to embrace policies over pedigree.
