Obama hits Ohio and Michigan to attack Trump and GOP candidates ahead of midterms
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Barack Obama campaigned in Ohio and Michigan, lashing out at President Donald Trump and Republican candidates over a controversial ad while trying to push Democrats toward higher turnout before the midterm elections.
Barack Obama visited Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, using the stops to rally Democratic voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. In Ohio, he went after Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, blasting an advertising campaign that featured the estranged mother of Democratic health official Dr. Amy Acton. Obama said, "In recent days, we've seen there is no line he will not cross, no low he will not sink to," and highlighted Acton's personal history of abuse and homelessness.
In Detroit, Obama defended Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, claiming critics were exploiting his name and faith. He told the audience, "Abdul is as Michigan as it gets," and referred to his own experience with political attacks. The former president also attacked President Donald Trump, accusing him of corruption and focusing on personal projects at the White House, quipping, "He should be on HGTV."
Trump voted in Florida on the same day and defended the Ramaswamy ad, stating, "The mother said that Amy Acton is a liar, and she's no good. And you know what? I don't think you can get a better reference on that."
Local voters expressed optimism that Obama's appearances would boost turnout. One Detroit resident said the speech "pumps you up to vote," while another noted that some Black voters remain skeptical of progressive candidates. Obama concluded by urging voters to reject what he described as "chaos, cruelty, corruption and incompetence" and to vote for change.
Obama is scheduled to headline a rally in Georgia next week with Senator Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms.