WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama is returning to the campaign trail.
This time, he will host campaign rallies for Democrats running in battleground states, critical as Democrats try to maintain a slim grip on Congress during the midterm elections. Republicans only need one net gain in the midterms to regain control of the 50-50 Senate, while Democrats hold an eight-seat advantage in the House.
Obama remains a popular figure in his party, a welcome boost for Democrats campaigning in a politically difficult environment this year. In 2018, 63 percent of Americans approved of Obama’s handling of the presidency, according to a Gallup survey. Two years later, according to a Monmouth University poll, 75 percent of Democrats had a favorable opinion of Obama, while another 17 percent had a moderate opinion of him.
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“Given the high stakes of this year’s midterm elections, President Obama wants to do his part to help Democrats win next month,” his office said in a statement.
Where is Obama campaigning?
Obama will campaign in Atlanta in October. 28th and October in Detroit. 29, according to a statement from his office. The former president also plans to hold another rally in October. 29 in Milwaukee. Three days later, in November. 1. Obama will Weak Democrats in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Who is Obama running for?
In Michigan, Obama will Run for governor. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and other Democrats run for office. Whitmer is running against Republican Tudor Dixon to keep the governorship.
At the event in Milwaukee, Obama will hold a rally with governors. Tony Evers, who is seeking re-election, and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes are running for Senate seats with incumbent Republican senators. Ron Johnson. Other Democrats who joined Obama include senators. Tammy Baldwin, Lt. Governor nominee Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul and Rep. Gwen Moore.
In Nevada, Obama will attend a rally with governors. Steve Sisolak and Senator. Catherine Cortez Masto is the most vulnerable incumbent Democratic senator in this midterm cycle. According to a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll released last week, Masto has a 46%-44% lead over Republican challenger Adam Laxalt — within the margin of error Inside.
polling:In Michigan, the Democratic governor.Whitmer’s lead over GOP Dixon shrinks as economic outlook worsens: poll
Obama did not say who he would rally with in Georgia, perhaps the most competitive battleground state. But Democrat Stacey Abrams is facing a Republican governor. Brian Kemp, a rematch of their 2018 gubernatorial race. Meanwhile, Democratic senators. Raphael Warnock is fending off a challenge from Republican Herschel Walker.
Key Points:Kemp and Abrams re-race and push for different visions in Georgia gubernatorial debate
What will Obama’s campaign be about?
The former president will urge rallies to take advantage of early voting, according to his office. He will also run on abortion, a key topic for Democrats campaigning this election cycle, and voting rights.
Why does Obama support the Democrats?
Democrats are facing tough political headwinds in this year’s midterms — from the economy teetering on the brink of recession until the historic trend of the ruling party losing seats — something the GOP has been exploiting. Republicans attack Democratic candidates, tying them to President Joe Biden — whose approval ratings remain low.
Obama remains the most popular Democrat of late and could inspire Democrats to vote. Obama also campaigned in battleground states like Georgia and Nevada, where Biden did not appear with Senate or congressional candidates. It’s unclear if the current president is being asked to join the campaign’s candidates.
Asset or Liability? :Biden’s momentum doesn’t lead to new invites to midterm campaign
The former president also said he wanted to draw attention not only to high-profile contests, but also to candidates.
“One of the things I want to emphasize this midterm is not just looking at the top of the ballot, but looking all the way down,” Obama said. Pod Save America Podcast“Because there’s a gubernatorial race, a secretary of state race, a state legislature race that really matters.”
Contributed by: Associated Press