Former President and Republican presidential contender Donald Trump made the odd claim that his predecessor in the White House, former President Barack Obama, may vote for him this Friday.
On Thursday, Obama appealed to Black men on behalf of Vice President and Democratic contender Kamala Harris, prompting Trump’s accusation.
“My understanding, based on reports I’m getting from campaigns and communities, is that we have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running,” said Obama at a Harris field office in Pittsburgh.
“Now, I also want to say that seems to be more pronounced with the brothers,” he continued, scolding them for coming up with “all kinds of reasons and excuses” not to support Harris.
“Part of it makes me think — and I’m speaking to men directly — part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president,” said Obama. “And now, you’re thinking about sitting out or supporting somebody who has a history of denigrating you, because you think that’s a sign of strength, because that’s what being a man is? Putting women down? That’s not acceptable.”
On Truth Social, Trump interpreted Obama’s case for Harris as a sign that he might end up voting for himself.
“Obama admits a total lack of enthusiasm for Kamala, especially with Black Men,” he wrote. “I think Obama will be voting for me because he doesn’t like the fact that Kamala is an extremely Low IQ Person!”
Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama endorsed Harris in a statement shortly after she replaced President Joe Biden on top of the Democratic ticket this summer, writing, “There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people.”
