Barack Obama Rallies Support for Democrats in Virginia

On Saturday, former President Barack Obama energized a crowd in Virginia as he campaigned for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger. With polls showing Spanberger leading ahead of the upcoming election, Obama aimed to rally support for her candidacy, while also taking aim at former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party's policies.

During his speech, Obama injected humor into his critique of Trump, saying, "As for the president, he has been focused on critical issues like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and gold-plating the Oval Office and building a $300m ballroom. So Virginia, here’s the good news. If you can’t visit a doctor, don’t worry, he will save you a dance.”

Obama's remarks came as Spanberger enjoyed a significant lead in a recent YouGov poll, which indicated she had 55% support among voters, placing her 14 points ahead of her Republican opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears.

Stopping in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama emphasized how Spanberger could serve as a counterbalance to what he described as the nation’s troubling trajectory under Republican leadership. He pointed out how Spanberger's background as a former representative and her commitment to public service made her a suitable candidate to address the issues facing the state.

Following his rally in Virginia, Obama traveled to Newark, New Jersey, where he voiced his support for Democratic US Representative Mikie Sherrill. Sherrill is currently favored by 51% of voters, according to the same YouGov survey, with her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, trailing at 42%.

At the Newark event, Obama continued to criticize Trump's administration, stating, "We’ve got a president who deployed the national guard in American cities and claimed to be stopping crime waves that don’t actually exist. We’ve got masked ICE agents in unmarked vans pulling people in off the streets, including US citizens, on the suspicion that they don’t look like real Americans." He elaborated, saying, "It’s like every day is Halloween except it’s all tricks and no treats," referencing reports of immigration raids occurring in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.

Obama praised Sherrill’s extensive experience as a navy helicopter pilot, federal prosecutor, and mother of four. He remarked, "She knows who she’s supposed to serve," highlighting her capability to lead effectively.

Earlier in the day, Obama reached out to Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, offering to be a “sounding board” if Mamdani secures a victory in the election. Mamdani, who has garnered significant support as a state assembly member, is positioned well ahead of his primary opponent, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as the election approaches on November 4.

A spokesperson for Mamdani confirmed that he appreciated President Obama’s support and their discussion about the importance of introducing a new kind of politics to the city.

The elections on November 4 in states that have alternated between Republican and Democratic governors are viewed as a barometer for public sentiment regarding Trump and the two major parties. Obama made it clear that there is “absolutely no evidence Republicans’ policies have made life better for you, the people of Virginia.”

As the election draws near, Obama’s rallies serve to galvanize Democratic voters and present a vision of leadership that contrasts sharply with Republican policies. With candidates like Spanberger and Sherrill leading in their respective races, the Democratic Party hopes to leverage this momentum to secure victories in key states.