“Voting is not that difficult,” Obama stated. “You will allow a group of elderly people to determine your future because you will not cast a ballot.
The basketball podcast “The Young Man & the Three” featured former President Barack Obama, who encouraged young people to use their right to vote. Tyrese Haliburton and Tommy Alter hosted the podcast.
Obama supported Vice President Kamala Harris during the podcast and advised young men not to lose hope over politics’ sluggish progress.
“Voting is not that difficult,” he stated. “You will allow a group of elderly people to determine your future because you will not cast a ballot. You would not do that to your music or your wardrobe, but you are going to give them the power to determine your future, possible careers, and the appearance of your surroundings.”
Here's my message to young people: you wouldn't let a bunch of old people decide what music you're going to listen to or what clothes you're going to wear – so don't let them decide your future.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 23, 2024
Make a plan to vote today: https://t.co/V3uLF7XRqt pic.twitter.com/VR5T97x8K1
“People vote on everything; they are voting on American Idol; you can vote to decide who is going to represent you and our country,” he said, urging people to cast their ballots.
“We the people see right through you… race baiting trash,” wrote one X user in a comment. Another person stated, “I do not know how to put it more clearly, but to young people in particular: You might not have a country left in which you can ever truly be free again if you do not vote for Kamala Harris in this presidential election.”
Six out of ten young Black Americans support Harris, according to the most recent GenForward poll from the University of Chicago, which NPR was able to obtain. But compared to four years ago, when over seven out of ten young Black Americans backed President Biden, this represents a significant drop in support.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has garnered support from one in five young Black Americans, with a notable 25% backing from Black men specifically. Only 12% of young Black women say they support Trump, and 16% say they would prefer “someone else” to Trump and Harris.
These results show how difficult it will be for Harris to sustain high levels of support among young Black Americans—especially men—before the election.
“I do not think it is any secret that I think Donald Trump is not somebody who is going to work hard on behalf of ordinary people,” Obama said in the episode, also criticising Trump’s work ethic. “I believe that his main goal is self-interest. His status is ego and self-promotion.”
Both sides have made some unconventional stops during this year’s election campaign. Not only has Obama endorsed Harris on a podcast, but Trump is scheduled to do so this Friday in an interview with “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Through an interview on “Call Her Daddy,” a well-liked podcast among women, Harris has also joined the podcasting community.