A group of Michigan community leaders shared their thoughts with CBS News' Ed O'Keefe. They expressed that Black men are hesitant to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. Their frustration lies in how her candidacy will impact their lives.
During a radio interview with Charlamagne Tha God, Harris defended her outreach efforts. O'Keefe noted that the community leaders in Detroit believe her campaign still has much to accomplish.
Harris insisted that her discussions weren't new. She emphasized that her efforts weren't just for electoral gains.
One community leader remarked, “A lot of Black men are not into the Harris campaign. I think this should have been done awhile ago.”
Another leader pointed out the disinterest in voting, stating, “We have tens of thousands of people that do not intend to vote and don’t give a damn about Kamala, Trump, or anyone else. They don’t see how this campaign makes one bit of difference in their lives.”
O'Keefe also probed the group about Harris' chances in November. While many felt she could win, they acknowledged it would be a tight race.
One leader commented, “I think it's touch and go right now. I see shades of the Hillary Clinton campaign with the arrogance of a Democratic Party out of touch with the electorate.”
In her interview, Harris indicated she was open to the idea of reparations. “I am running to be a president for all Americans. That being said, I do have clear eyes about the disparities that exist and the context in which they exist,” she explained.
Her town hall with Charlamagne followed former President Barack Obama's viral remarks. He criticized Black male voters for their lack of enthusiasm for Harris. Current polls suggest Trump is gaining ground with Black men, who have historically supported the Democratic Party.