Rallying for Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama spoke directly to American men and characterized Donald Trump as mendacious and self-centered, saying he doesn’t represent “real strength.”
“I’m sorry gentlemen, I’ve noticed this especially with some men who seem to think some of Trump’s behavior — the bullying and the putting people down — is a sign of strength. And I am here to tell you: That is not what real strength is. It never has been,” Obama said, drawing heavy applause from the Democratic crowd.
“Real strength is about working hard. And carrying a heavy load is about complaining. Real strength is about taking responsibility for your actions and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient,” he said. “Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and our sons and that is what I want to see in a president of the United States of America.”
Obama said Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, represent the “character” and “values” a president should have.
The remarks come amid signs of a wide gender gap in 2024 election surveys, which show Harris winning women by large margins while struggling with men. Some Democratic strategists worry they risk losing a slice of young men, Latino men and even Black men, who have expressed openness to Trump or low enthusiasm about voting.
Obama took particular umbrage at Trump’s spreading false claims about the government’s response to hurricane victims and expressed bafflement that some consider Trump to be strong.