Obama rallies Democrats in Ohio and Michigan as Trump campaigns ahead of midterms

Former President Barack Obama campaigned for Democrats in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, criticizing President Donald Trump as the parties sought support ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Obama rallied for Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit after an Ohio appearance supporting former Senator Sherrod Brown and gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton. Reuters and CNN reported that Trump campaigned in Michigan the next day. [ 3 , 12 , 20 , 22 , 24 ]

In Ohio, Obama criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over an advertisement featuring Acton's estranged mother. The Associated Press report carried by The Seattle Times said Trump and Vice President JD Vance had defended the advertisement, while Republican leaders in Ohio, including Governor Mike DeWine, had called for its removal. The report said Obama referred to Acton's accounts of abuse, neglect and homelessness during her childhood. [ 3 ]

In Detroit, Obama defended El-Sayed against critics whom he accused of using the candidate's name or faith to undermine him. The Guardian reported that Obama told a crowd at Cass Technical High School that El-Sayed would build on the Affordable Care Act and pursue affordable health care. Bloomberg reported that Obama blamed Trump for inflation and high prices and urged Democrats to vote as early voting began in Michigan. [ 3 , 16 , 19 ]

The Senate races in Ohio and Michigan will help determine control of the chamber, according to ABC News. Brown is seeking to unseat Republican Senator Jon Husted, while El-Sayed faces former Republican Representative Mike Rogers. ABC reported that El-Sayed won a divisive Democratic primary by less than a percentage point. NBC News described Obama's Detroit appearance as an effort to strengthen El-Sayed's support among Black voters in a closely contested race. [ 5 , 20 ]