Former President Barack Obama’s recent remarks urging Black men to “show up” for Kamala Harris are yet another example of the condescending rhetoric that has become all too familiar from the Democratic establishment. His assertion that Black men might be hesitant to vote for Harris because they don’t want to see a woman in the White House is a shallow misreading of the real concerns many in the Black community have about the Democratic Party. Instead of addressing substantive issues that Black men face or acknowledging the reasons some might support Donald Trump, Obama opts to reduce their concerns to mere sexism.

Let’s take a moment to unpack what’s really going on here.

The “Real Man” Narrative

Obama’s claim that Black men supporting Trump are doing so because they admire the Republican’s so-called “real man” persona is, frankly, insulting. It paints a caricature of Black men, implying that their political decisions are based solely on outdated notions of masculinity rather than legitimate concerns about the direction of the country.

The reality is far more nuanced. Many Black men, like other Americans, are deeply concerned about issues like the economy, job creation, education, and public safety. Under Trump’s presidency, some saw the economy improve and unemployment rates decrease, including for Black Americans. It’s not unreasonable to believe that some Black men might prefer Trump’s policies because they perceive them as being more beneficial for their communities than what the Democrats are offering.

Ignoring the Elephant in the Room

Obama’s comments also reflect a deeper issue: the Democratic Party’s failure to genuinely engage with the concerns of Black men. Instead of assuming that Black men should automatically support Democratic candidates, perhaps the party should ask why they are losing support in the first place.

Take Kamala Harris, for example. While she may be breaking barriers as a woman of color on the ticket, her track record as a prosecutor in California has raised concerns among many in the Black community. Harris’s tough-on-crime policies disproportionately affected Black men, and this hasn’t been forgotten. This isn’t about sexism—it’s about real concerns over criminal justice reform, civil liberties, and the future of Black communities.

Instead of addressing these concerns head-on, Obama’s remarks seem to dismiss them entirely, as though the only possible explanation for a Black man voting Republican is internalized misogyny. This approach is not only disrespectful but also counterproductive.

The Consequences of Dismissing Voters

If the Democrats continue to treat Black voters as a monolithic bloc that can be guilted or shamed into voting, they will continue to see erosion in their base. It’s not just about Kamala Harris, or Donald Trump, or even Barack Obama—it’s about policies that resonate with the values and priorities of individual voters.

When Black men look at the Democratic Party today, they see a party that is increasingly out of touch with traditional values. The left’s push to deconstruct basic concepts like gender, their hostility toward traditional masculinity, and their embrace of policies that seem more concerned with social engineering than economic empowerment is driving many men, including Black men, away from the Democratic fold.

A Missed Opportunity for Honest Dialogue

Obama’s critique misses a key opportunity to have an honest conversation about why some Black men may be leaning toward Trump or disengaging from the political process altogether. It is not simply about rejecting a female candidate; it is about policies and leadership that resonate with their lived experiences.

Instead of lecturing Black men about their supposed biases, it might serve the Democratic Party better to actually listen to their concerns. After all, the foundation of any democracy is a respectful dialogue between voters and their elected representatives. When one side ignores or belittles the concerns of the other, that dialogue breaks down, leading to a deepening of divisions.

A Way Forward

If Democrats are serious about earning the votes of Black men, they must stop treating them as political pawns whose support can be taken for granted. Black men are not a monolithic group, and their concerns are as diverse as any other demographic. Some may prioritize economic stability, others education, and still others social and cultural issues. A blanket appeal to identity politics will not suffice.

Ultimately, what Black men—and all Americans—want is a government that works for them, that addresses their needs, and that respects their values. Rather than scolding voters, the Democratic Party would do well to reflect on how its policies and messaging have alienated a growing number of people. If the Democrats continue down this path, they risk losing not only a key demographic but also their claim to being the party of inclusion and progress.

In the end, this isn’t just about winning elections. It’s about earning trust and building a vision for the future that all Americans can believe in—one based on respect, understanding, and real solutions, not condescension and guilt-tripping.