NewsWPLG Local 10October 25, 2026Miami-Dade County
Obama criticizes Trump and Republican candidates during Midwest midterm campaign rallies
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, criticizing President Donald Trump and Republican candidates over campaign tactics and political ethics. Obama specifically condemned an Ohio Republican gubernatorial ad featuring the estranged mother of Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton and defended Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed against attacks on his faith and background. Meanwhile, Trump defended the controversial ad, calling Acton a liar while casting his own ballot in Florida ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The high-profile campaign stops highlight intense political battles in Midwestern swing states that will help determine control of Congress and state leadership in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.
Key Facts
- Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday to support Democratic candidates in the midterm elections.
- Obama criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio over an advertising campaign featuring Dr. Amy Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur.
- President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended Ramaswamy's campaign ad, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other state Republicans called for its removal.
- Donna Arthur's campaign ad calls Dr. Amy Acton a liar and references childhood family abuse occurring between December 1976 and April 1978.
- In Detroit, Obama defended Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed against critics questioning his name and faith.
- Trump cast his ballot in Florida on Saturday and stated that Acton's mother provided a trustworthy reference.
- Obama criticized President Trump for focusing on home renovations like a new White House ballroom rather than lowering costs for working people.
- Obama is scheduled to headline a rally in Georgia next week alongside Senator Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, while Trump is also slated to speak in Georgia on Saturday.
Who's Mentioned
PersonChunnika Hodges“Detroit resident and canvasser for El-Sayed”PersonHaley Stevens“Opponent of El-Sayed in the primary election”locationDetroit“City in Michigan where Obama rallied voters”PersonJD Vance“Vice President defending the Ramaswamy campaign ad”locationMichigan“State hosting high-stakes Senate and governor contests”locationOhio“State hosting a contested gubernatorial race”PersonDonna Arthur“Estranged mother of Amy Acton featured in a campaign ad”PersonVivek Ramaswamy“Republican gubernatorial candidate in Ohio”locationNew York“Location of reporting staff”PersonMichelle Obama“Former First Lady referenced by Barack Obama in a speech”PersonGaNun“Corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America”PersonKamala Harris“Former Vice President who campaigned for El-Sayed in September”PersonJon Husted“Republican Senator in Ohio supported by Trump and Vance”PersonAmy Acton“Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Ohio and former state health director”PersonJon Ossoff“Senator in Georgia scheduled to appear with Obama”locationFlorida“State where President Trump cast his ballot”PersonArthur’s husband“Indicted on a charge of rape involving Amy Acton”PersonMike Rogers“Republican former Representative running for Senate in Michigan”locationGeorgia“State where Obama and Trump are scheduled to hold upcoming rallies”PersonAbdul El-Sayed“Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan and former public health official”PersonPeoples“Associated Press reporter reporting from New York”PersonCledith Arthur“Husband of Donna Arthur who became a fugitive”locationWayne County“County in Michigan including Detroit”PersonMike DeWine“Republican Governor of Ohio who called for the removal of the ad”PersonDonald Trump“US President defending Republican candidates and campaign ads”PersonBarack Obama“Former US President campaigning for Democrats in the Midwest”PersonKeisha Lance Bottoms“Candidate for governor in Georgia scheduled to appear with Obama”PersonJill Colvin“AP writer contributing from New York”