NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiOctober 25, 2026Miami-Dade County
Obama criticizes Trump and Republican candidates in Michigan and Ohio campaign stops
Photo: WSVN 7 News Miami
Former President Barack Obama campaigned for Democratic candidates in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday, criticizing President Donald Trump and Republican rivals over controversial campaign tactics and policy records. In Ohio, Obama condemned a campaign ad featuring Dr. Amy Acton’s estranged mother, while in Michigan he defended Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed against attacks on his name and faith.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
The speeches target key Midwestern battleground states ahead of midterm elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress and state offices.
Key Facts
- Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Ohio and Michigan to support Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections.
- Obama criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio over a campaign ad featuring Dr. Amy Acton's estranged mother.
- President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended the Ramaswamy ad, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other Republicans called for its removal.
- In Detroit, Obama delivered a speech defending Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed against attacks concerning his name and faith.
- Trump cast his ballot in Florida on Saturday and defended the Ramaswamy campaign ad.
- Obama criticized Trump's administration and spending on home renovations at the White House.
- Obama is scheduled to headline a future rally in Georgia alongside Senator Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Who's Mentioned
locationPerry“Location in Georgia where Trump campaigned”PersonChunnika Hodges“Detroit resident and canvasser”PersonHaley Stevens“Primary opponent in Michigan who won Wayne County”PersonJD Vance“Vice President defending the Ramaswamy campaign ad”locationMichigan“State where Obama defended Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed”locationOhio“State where Obama criticized Vivek Ramaswamy”PersonDonna Arthur“Estranged mother of Amy Acton featured in a campaign video”PersonVivek Ramaswamy“Republican gubernatorial candidate in Ohio”PersonMichelle Obama“Former First Lady referenced by Obama in his speech”PersonKamala Harris“Former Vice President who previously campaigned for El-Sayed”PersonJon Husted“Republican Senator in Ohio supported by Trump and Vance”PersonAmy Acton“Democratic rival and former Ohio health director featured in an opponent's ad”PersonJon Ossoff“Senator in Georgia scheduled to appear with Obama”locationFlorida“State where Donald Trump cast his ballot”locationDETROIT“City in Michigan where Obama delivered a speech”PersonMike Rogers“Republican former Representative running against El-Sayed”locationGeorgia“State where Obama is scheduled to headline a rally”PersonAbdul El-Sayed“Senate candidate in Michigan defended by Obama”PersonCledith Arthur“Stepfather of Amy Acton indicted on a charge of rape”locationWayne County“County in Michigan including Detroit”PersonMike DeWine“Ohio Governor who called for the removal of the controversial ad”PersonDonald Trump“Current President defended a controversial campaign ad in Florida”PersonBarack Obama“Former President campaigning for Democrats in the Midwest”PersonKeisha Lance Bottoms“Candidate for governor in Georgia scheduled to appear with Obama”PersonCheryl McWilliams“Detroit voter interviewed regarding the midterm elections”