Obama turns to black radio to plead for midterm votes even as candidates shun him

By Nedra Pickler

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON _ President Barack Obama is turning to black radio listeners to plead for votes in the Nov. 4 election.

It’s part of a targeted approach to drum up Democratic support at a time when many candidates don’t want Obama around in person.

African-American turnout will be vital to Democrats’ hopes in southern states such as Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana and North Carolina that will help determine control of the Senate. And Obama remains beloved among black voters even if Democratic candidates are running away from him.

Obama told the Rev. Al Sharpton in one of seven nationally syndicated interviews he’s conducted the past week that his feelings are not being hurt. He says candidates have to do what they need to do to win.

Obama says he will be responsible for making sure Democratic voters turn out.