Former United States President Barack Obama has criticised President Donald Trump over the rising cost of living and his administration’s policies, urging voters in Ohio to support Democratic candidates in the November 3 midterm elections.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Cleveland on Saturday, Obama accused the Trump administration of creating problems for Americans through its handling of governance, the economy and foreign affairs.
“After two years of chaos and cruelty and corruption and incompetence, the likes of which we have not seen in the modern era, you get a chance to say, ‘Enough is enough,’” Obama said. “We are voting for change right here in Ohio.”
The former president, who remains an influential figure among Democratic supporters, said the elections offered voters an opportunity to express their views on the direction of the country and the performance of the current administration.
Obama also linked the rising cost of living to decisions made by the Trump administration, pointing to fuel prices and other economic pressures as issues affecting voters.
“The current president chose to make a series of bad decisions,” he said. “Most importantly, he decided to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for.”
He did not identify the war in the remarks quoted in the report.
With early voting already under way in Ohio, Obama encouraged eligible voters to cast their ballots without delay.
“Don’t procrastinate, don’t equivocate,” he said, calling on voters to participate in the election.
The rally formed part of efforts by Democratic leaders to mobilise support ahead of the midterm elections, which will determine control of both chambers of the US Congress. The contests are also expected to shape the political environment for the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
In Ohio, former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown is seeking to return to the Senate in a contest against incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted. The state’s governorship is also being contested by Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
The report said polling in Ohio showed Democrats with slight leads in both races, although the contests were expected to be closely fought. Such polling reflects voter preferences at the time of the surveys and does not determine the final outcome.
At the national level, polling cited in the report suggested Democrats had a possibility of regaining control of the House of Representatives, while the Senate races remained competitive.
Following his appearance in Cleveland, Obama was scheduled to travel to Detroit, Michigan, for another rally in support of Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
El-Sayed, who is associated with the party’s progressive wing, is contesting against Republican Mike Rogers. The race is taking place in a state where both Senate seats are currently held by Democrats.
Obama’s campaign appearances highlight the role former presidents and other prominent party figures play in helping candidates mobilise voters during major elections. His participation is intended to draw attention to Democratic candidates and encourage supporters to turn out on election day.
