Obama rallies Detroit voters, criticizes President Trump and backs Democratic Senate and governor candidates

Former President Barack Obama spoke to a packed audience at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, urging voters to turn out for the November 3 midterm elections. He condemned the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, describing it as “incompetent, corrupt and a grifter,” and warned that the election was a chance to curb what he called the administration’s “foolishness.”

Obama endorsed Democratic candidates Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for the open U.S. Senate seat, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the nominee for governor. He highlighted El-Sayed’s focus on expanding the Affordable Care Act and Benson’s plan to lower costs and improve wages.

“We can’t just be against something, we have to be for something,” Obama said, adding that voters need to see a concrete vision for the future beyond the current administration.

“This election is a choice between leaders who will show up every day and work to bring down costs, raise wages and end corruption,” Benson said.

The rally, which drew more than 4,000 attendees and overflow crowds, also featured speeches by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, attorney-general candidate Eli Savit, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and other local Democrats. Progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have contributed financially to El-Sayed’s campaign.

Actors Kerry Washington and Adam Brody joined a voter-mobilization effort earlier in the day, encouraging Detroit residents to vote. The event underscored the Democratic push to secure the Senate seat and the governor’s office in Michigan ahead of the midterms.