In a recent public appearance, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, a prominent black pastor from Detroit's 180 Church, expressed his strong disapproval of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
Sewell accused Harris of exploiting his community and dismissed her attempts at "virtue signaling" and "identity politics."
He asserted, "We will not allow virtue signaling. We will not allow identity politics. Black men are not political infants." He further criticized the Democratic Party for exploiting the black community for over six decades, echoing Moses's plea to Pharaoh, "Let my people go."
According to The Washington Free Beacon, Sewell's comments were in response to Harris's planned interview with black podcaster and comedian Lenard Larry McKelvey, known professionally as Charlamagne tha God. The interview, scheduled to take place in Detroit, is part of Harris's campaign strategy to regain support from black men in a crucial swing state. Recent polls suggest that Harris's backing among this demographic is dwindling.
Sewell expressed his deep offense at Harris's approach, stating, "I have never been so offended in my life." He criticized her choice of Charlamagne, a "false god," to engage with a community that boasts 4,500 churches and a strong faith-based population. He said, "We are extremely offended that she's bringing a podcaster here to talk to black men about politics."
The Detroit pastor also took issue with two other events organized by the Harris campaign in recent weeks, aimed at boosting support among black voters in Michigan. He criticized the campaign's decision to bring a "failing" retired athlete, Magic Johnson, to Flint and Oprah to Oakland County. He said, "She brought a retired athlete to Flint who is failingMagic Johnsonand she brought Oprah to Oakland County, as if she understands the plight and the playing of people that look like me."
Sewell continued his critique of Harris, accusing her of attempting to "entertain her way to the black vote." He said, "Were offended, and we want her to be willing to actually bring real solutions to the complex problems that we're facing in urban America."
Harris's recent efforts to engage the black community come amid polls showing a decline in her support among this demographic. A poll released Saturday showed Harris holding 78 percent of the black vote, a significant drop from President Joe Bidens 90 percent in 2020 and Hillary Clintons 92 percent in 2016.
The poll revealed an even more significant decline among black men, with only 70 percent indicating they would vote for Harris in November, a decrease from Bidens 85 percent.
Despite these unfavorable poll numbers, Harris dismissed the findings during a Monday interview with a black-focused entertainment outlet. She said, "One, that's not my experience. Two, Election Day has not arrived yet." As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen how these sentiments will impact Harris's campaign in Michigan and beyond.
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