At a rally in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, former US President Barack Obama took aim at President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, urging voters to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. Speaking on Wednesday, Obama criticized Trump and the GOP as lacking seriousness, claiming their policies were exacerbating issues for everyday Americans. The event was part of Obama’s nationwide campaign efforts to bolster Democratic candidates like Senator Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial hopeful Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Obama’s remarks included a jab at the White House’s reaction to a previous joke he made, likening Trump’s renovations to Saddam Hussein decorating a Cheesecake Factory. Obama quipped that the administration spent an inordinate amount of time addressing his comment, even involving the Treasury secretary in their response. Additionally, he accused Trump of financial conflicts of interest, suggesting the president was using his office for personal gain, contrasting his actions with the economic struggles facing many American households.
Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff echoed these criticisms, accusing the Trump administration of corruption and emphasizing the need for accountability should Democrats take control of Congress. The rally attendees responded enthusiastically, chanting for Trump to be held accountable.
Gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms framed her campaign as a battle between the interests of average taxpayers and wealthy political elites, highlighting the close nature of her race against Republican candidate Rick Jackson. Meanwhile, Ossoff was noted to have a polling advantage over his Republican opponent, Representative Mike Collins.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock also addressed the crowd, condemning proposed cuts to public assistance programs like Medicaid and food aid for children, arguing that the election was a referendum on the country’s values and its duty to support vulnerable populations.
This rally was one of many campaign stops for Obama as he traveled the country to support Democratic contenders in the final stretch before the midterm elections. In a similar vein, President Trump has been actively campaigning across the nation to gather support for Republican candidates.