Former President Obama's recent comments urging Black men to support Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid have drawn criticism from "The Sage Steele Show" host Sage Steele, who accused him of "scolding" and "talking down to" Black voters.
Former President Barack Obama's recent remarks calling out Black men for not being more enthusiastic about Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign have sparked a backlash from conservative commentator Sage Steele.
In an appearance on "America's Newsroom," Steele denounced Obama's comments as "a scolding" and expressed dismay at his tone. She cited conversations with Black voters who voiced their frustration with Obama's message.
Sage Steele Slams Obama for 'Scolding' Black Voters: 'Stop It!'
"There was a man in a parking lot that we were talking to yesterday," Steele recounted. "He said, 'I can't repeat what he said, actually.' And he was livid. He said, 'why is he talking down to us? Don't scold us. Where have you been? Coming off of Martha's Vineyard and then lecturing us when it's convenient.'"
Steele criticized the timing of Obama's remarks, which came just three weeks before the election. She questioned the motive behind his sudden intervention, suggesting that it was a political ploy to bolster Harris's flagging campaign.
Sage Steele Slams Obama for 'Scolding' Black Voters: 'Stop It!'
"The problem is he and they have gotten away with this kind of rhetoric for years," Steele said. "It's just that now they haven't been able to back anything up. And now you come in at the very last second, right? Three weeks before the election. And now you all of a sudden are going to tell us how to vote. Stop it."
Steele also defended Black voters against accusations that they are too lazy or stupid to do their homework. She argued that they are capable of making informed decisions without being told how to vote by politicians.
Sage Steele Slams Obama for 'Scolding' Black Voters: 'Stop It!'
"I think so often the Democrats believe that Black men and women, especially younger, are too stupid or lazy to do their homework," Steele said. "Maybe in the past they didn't take things as seriously. I don't know. But I feel, I'm excited for this future, this younger generation, all races, of course, but in particular because there's so much focus now that the Democrats on the Black vote."
Steele's comments reflect a growing dissatisfaction among some Black voters with the Democratic Party's messaging and policies. Recent polls have shown a decrease in support for Harris among Black male voters, a trend that has worried Democratic strategists.
Sage Steele Slams Obama for 'Scolding' Black Voters: 'Stop It!'
Obama's comments were intended to rally Black support for Harris, but they appear to have had the opposite effect. Steele's critique echoes the sentiments of many Black voters who feel condescended to and taken for granted by the Democratic Party.
It remains to be seen whether Obama's intervention will succeed in galvanizing Black voters behind Harris. However, Steele's comments underscore the growing frustration and dissatisfaction within this demographic, which could have significant implications for the upcoming election.
