Barack Obama campaigned for Democrats in Ohio and Michigan ahead of the US midterm elections.
Barack Obama rallied Democrats in Ohio and Michigan, while Donald Trump defended his economic and immigration policies in Georgia.
Former US President Barack Obama attacked Trump over the Iran war and rising consumer prices on Saturday. He campaigned for Democrats in Ohio and Michigan ahead of the 3 November midterm elections.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump defended his administration at a rally in Perry, Georgia, highlighting tariffs and immigration policies. The elections will determine control of Congress and shape his ability to advance his agenda.
Early voting has already started. Trump also cast his ballot in Florida on Saturday alongside First Lady Melania Trump.
Obama attacks Trump over economy and Iran
In Cleveland, Obama urged voters to use the elections to curb the administration’s actions. He accused Trump’s team of corruption, cruelty and incompetence.
However, Obama acknowledged why some voters rejected Democrats in 2024 over inflation and economic concerns following the Covid pandemic. He argued that Trump now bore responsibility for the economy and that consumer goods had become more expensive.
Obama also criticised the war in Iran, arguing that it had given Tehran control over access through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump, meanwhile, defended his handling of the conflict when reporters questioned him earlier on Saturday. He suggested further military action or a deal remained possible, while maintaining that either outcome would favour Washington.
Trump promotes tariffs and promises payments
At his Georgia rally, Trump acknowledged high oil prices but predicted that fuel costs would fall. He faces pressure over pump prices, which have risen because of the wars in Iran and Ukraine.
He also promoted tariff revenue and repeated a promise to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans win both congressional chambers.
On immigration, Trump accused Democrats of seeking to admit people from Libya, Yemen, Haiti and Somalia. He used derogatory language about those countries while expressing a preference for immigrants from Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Ohio campaign turns to governor’s race
Obama’s Ohio visit supported former Senator Sherrod Brown’s bid to defeat Republican Senator John Husted. He also backed Amy Acton, who faces Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the governor’s race.
Obama criticised a Ramaswamy campaign advert featuring Acton’s estranged mother calling her dishonest. However, the advert omitted that her mother’s husband had faced charges of raping Acton during her childhood.
Acton addressed the rally before Obama. She accused Ramaswamy of exploiting her childhood experiences to rescue his campaign.
