On Thursday, former President Barack Obama made an appeal to Black voters during his campaign for Vice President Kamalah Harris. He noted that he had not seen “the same type of energy and turnout in communities” as he did when he was running.

Why it matters: Recent surveys indicate that former President Trump has a slight edge in support among Black men compared to his performance in 2020. While Harris is backed by more Black voters, her numbers are still behind Biden in the previous election.

Obama, at a Pittsburgh campaign office before speaking at Harris’ rally in Pennsylvania city, said that the issue of turnout he observed “seems more pronounced among the brothers.”

He continued, “You are coming up with excuses and reasons of all kinds. I have a problem with it.

“Because it makes me wonder, and I am speaking directly to men… that you are not feeling the idea of a female president and that you’re coming with other alternatives and reasons for that.”

Zoom out: Obama said that the choice of the election was “clear”. Harris “grew up with you, knows you and went to college together, understands your struggles, pain, and joy” while Trump is someone who “has consistently shown disregard for not only the communities but you as a human being.”

He then added: “And are you thinking of sitting out?”

Axios, the evening news outlet, did not receive a response from Trump’s representatives.