Obama's Remarks on Black Voters and Harris Spark Debate with Megyn Kelly

Obama's Controversial Comments on Black Male Voters

On October 12, 2024, Megyn Kelly, alongside guests Mark Halperin, Sean Spicer, and Dan Turrentine from 'The Morning Meeting' on the 2Way YouTube channel, discussed former President Barack Obama's pointed remarks about black male voters. In a recent public statement, Obama suggested that some black men might not support Vice President Kamala Harris due to inherent sexism, calling such reluctance 'not acceptable.' This commentary, as highlighted in the video on Megyn Kelly's YouTube channel, has stirred significant discussion about voter motivations and gender dynamics within the Democratic base.

During the segment, starting around the 5:30 mark, Kelly and her guests dissected Obama's approach, questioning whether shaming voters is an effective strategy. They noted that his comments have added fuel to an already heated conversation about why some traditionally Democratic voters might be considering President Donald J. Trump or opting out of the election altogether. The panel emphasized that these remarks reflect a broader concern within the Democratic Party about Harris's ability to secure key demographics ahead of the election.

Democratic Party Concerns Over Harris's Campaign

Further into the discussion, around the 15:45 timestamp, the conversation shifted to the palpable anxiety within the Democratic Party regarding Harris's potential loss. Kelly and her guests explored various narratives that might emerge if Harris does not win, with race and gender already surfacing as central themes. They pointed out that party insiders are grappling with how to address these issues without alienating voters, a challenge compounded by Harris's recent media appearances.

One notable moment came during Harris's Univision town hall, discussed at the 25:10 mark, where her responses were critiqued as lacking depth. The panel agreed that her weaknesses were evident, failing to shift public perception in her favor despite an extensive media tour. This inability to 'move the needle,' as described by Halperin, underscores the uphill battle Harris faces in solidifying support among undecided voters.

Harris's Vogue Cover and Media Strategy

Another topic of interest, broached near the 35:20 point of the video, was Harris's feature on the cover of Vogue magazine, timed closely with the election period. Kelly and her guests debated whether such high-profile media exposure would translate into electoral success. They questioned if this type of coverage resonates with the average voter or if it risks appearing out of touch with everyday concerns. Spicer noted that while the imagery might appeal to some, it does little to address substantive policy questions that are top of mind for many Americans.

Tim Walz's Struggles and Media Oversight

The panel also addressed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's challenges as a surrogate for Harris, highlighted around the 45:00 mark. During a recent 'Good Morning America' interview with Michael Strahan, Walz struggled to explain inconsistencies in his past statements. Kelly and her guests viewed this as a missed opportunity for the campaign to present a unified and credible front, further complicating Harris's path to victory.

Additionally, at approximately the 50:30 timestamp, the discussion turned to media handling of allegations against Doug Emhoff, Harris's husband. The panel criticized Joe Scarborough for seemingly avoiding tough questions about assault accusations leveled against Emhoff. They argued that this reluctance by prominent media figures to delve into potentially damaging stories reflects a broader pattern of selective reporting that could impact voter trust.

Broader Election Context and Trump's Campaign

Towards the end of the video, around the 1:00:00 mark, Kelly and her guests touched on the state of U.S. Senate races and President Trump's campaign tactics, including his direct criticism of Detroit while speaking in the city. They framed Trump's approach as unapologetic and resonant with voters who appreciate his candid style. This segment underscored the contrasting strategies between the Republican and Democratic campaigns as the election nears.

In summary, Megyn Kelly's discussion with Halperin, Spicer, and Turrentine provided a comprehensive look at the current political landscape, focusing on Obama's controversial voter comments, Democratic Party challenges, and media dynamics surrounding Harris's campaign. The video offers a critical perspective on how these elements could shape the upcoming election, reflecting deep divisions and strategic considerations on both sides of the aisle.