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NewsWPLG Local 10October 24, 2026Miami-Dade County

Former President Barack Obama campaigns in Ohio and Michigan, criticizing Republican candidates over campaign tactics and economic issues

Photo: WPLG Local 10

Former President Barack Obama campaigned in battleground Ohio and Michigan to rally Democratic voters, criticizing Donald Trump and Republican candidates over controversial campaign advertisements and economic policies. Obama specifically targeted Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for an ad featuring Dr. Amy Acton's estranged mother, while Trump and other Republicans defended the advertisement. Obama also criticized the administration's economic record and home renovation projects before heading to rallies in Michigan and Georgia.

ElectionsCampaignsPolitical EthicsMidterm Elections
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Why It Matters

The visit highlights high-stakes midterm campaigns in battleground states that will determine the balance of power in American politics, against the backdrop of intense partisan disputes over campaign conduct and economic issues.

Key Facts

  • Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Ohio and Michigan to rally Democratic voters in the final days of the midterm elections.
  • Obama criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over a campaign advertisement featuring Dr. Amy Acton's birth mother calling her a liar.
  • Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other Republican leaders joined Democrats in calling for the removal of Ramaswamy's advertisement.
  • President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended Ramaswamy's advertisement as fair game.
  • Amy Acton publicly addressed the advertisement, criticizing her opponent for exploiting her childhood experiences of homelessness and abuse.
  • Obama criticized Donald Trump's economic record and focus on White House home renovations rather than lowering costs.
  • Obama's campaign schedule included stops in Ohio, Michigan to support Abdul El-Sayed, and upcoming events in Georgia with Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Who's Mentioned

PersonSherrod Brown“Former Ohio Senator appearing alongside Obama”PersonHaley Stevens“Primary opponent of El-Sayed who won Wayne County”PersonJD Vance“Vice President defending the Ramaswamy campaign ad”PersonDonna Arthur“Estranged birth mother of Amy Acton featured in the campaign ad”PersonVivek Ramaswamy“Republican gubernatorial candidate in Ohio running a controversial ad”PersonGaNun“Corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiat”PersonKamala Harris“Former Vice President who campaigned for El-Sayed in September”PersonJon Husted“Republican Senate candidate in Ohio”PersonAmy Acton“Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Ohio and former health director”PersonJon Ossoff“Senator slated to appear with Obama in Georgia”PersonJohn James“Republican Representative running in Michigan”PersonMike Rogers“Republican candidate running against El-Sayed”PersonAbdul El-Sayed“Former public health official and Democratic candidate in Michigan”PersonPeoples“Associated Press reporter from New York”PersonCledith Arthur“Stepfather of Amy Acton indicted on rape charges in the 1970s”PersonJocelyn Benson“Democratic nominee for governor in Michigan”PersonMike DeWine“Republican Governor of Ohio calling for the removal of the ad”PersonDonald Trump“President defending Republican campaign ads and addressing rallies”PersonBarack Obama“Former President campaigning for Democratic candidates in Ohio and Michigan”PersonKeisha Lance Bottoms“Candidate for governor slated to appear with Obama in Georgia”PersonJill Colvin“Associated Press writer in New York”