Ahead of Tuesday's Elections: Obama Attacks Trump, Urges Vote for Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey

Just ahead of the upcoming mid-term elections (this coming Tuesday), and ten months into US President Donald Trump's second term, former President Barack Obama intensified his efforts, urging voters to elect Democratic governors in Virginia and New Jersey.

Obama Attacks Trump and Backs Candidates

• Blistering Critique of Trump: Obama, who remains the most popular figure among Democrats nearly nine years after leaving the White House, spent much of his time at separate rallies criticizing Trump for "lawlessness and recklessness" and his "chaotic" economic policy.

• Call to Reject: Obama urged voters to "set a glorious example for the nation" by rejecting candidates loyal to a president with "authoritarian impulses."

• Supporting Democrats: Obama praised the center-left Democrats, Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, who helped their party win a majority in the US House during the middle of Trump's first term, describing them as experienced figures who would improve voters' financial conditions.

• Trump's Absence: Obama's campaign appearance on Saturday contrasted with Trump spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, leaving the Republicans (Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia and Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey) to campaign on their own.

• Understanding Economic Concerns: Obama was careful not to blame voters who supported Trump in 2024 due to inflation and the turbulent economy.

The Redistricting Battle in California

• Last-Minute Effort: Activists in California made a final push ahead of a statewide referendum on whether to redraw the state's congressional map in favor of Democrats.

• Governor's Support: This effort, supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, is part of a national redistricting battle that began when Trump urged Republican-led states to help him maintain a majority in the House of Representatives in 2026.