NewsWPLG Local 10 – PoliticsOctober 25, 2026Miami-Dade County
Obama criticizes Trump and Republican candidates during Midwestern midterm campaign rallies
Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Politics
Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Ohio and Michigan on Saturday to rally Democratic voters, criticizing President Donald Trump and Republican candidates over political advertisements and campaign rhetoric. In Ohio, Obama condemned a gubernatorial 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 WPLG Local 10 – PoliticsWhy It Matters
The speeches signal increased high-profile Democratic campaigning in key Midwestern battleground states ahead of midterm elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress.
Key Facts
- Former President Barack Obama campaigned on Saturday in Ohio and Michigan to rally Democratic voters ahead of the midterm elections.
- In Ohio, Obama criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for an ad campaign featuring Dr. Amy Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur.
- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other Republican leaders called for the removal of Ramaswamy's advertisement.
- President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended the Ramaswamy advertisement during campaign stops.
- In Michigan, Obama delivered a speech in Detroit defending Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed against attacks regarding his name and faith.
- Trump cast his ballot in Florida on Saturday and defended the Ramaswamy campaign video.
- Obama criticized Trump's administration and spending priorities, including White House renovations, during his Detroit speech.
- Obama is scheduled to headline a rally in Georgia next week 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“El-Sayed's opponent in the primary election”locationDetroit“Michigan city where Obama addressed a rally”PersonJD Vance“Vice President defending the Ramaswamy campaign ad”locationMichigan“State where Obama spoke in Detroit and defended Abdul El-Sayed”locationOhio“State where Obama campaigned and criticized Vivek Ramaswamy”PersonDonna Arthur“Estranged mother of Amy Acton featured in a campaign ad”PersonVivek Ramaswamy“Republican gubernatorial candidate in Ohio”PersonMichelle Obama“Former First Lady referenced in Obama's speech”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 scheduled to appear with Obama in Georgia”locationFlorida“State where Trump cast his ballot on Saturday”PersonMike Rogers“Republican candidate and former Representative running in Michigan”locationGeorgia“State where Obama is scheduled to headline a rally”PersonAbdul El-Sayed“Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan”locationWayne County“County including Detroit won by Haley Stevens in the primary”PersonMike DeWine“Republican Governor of Ohio who called for the removal of the Ramaswamy ad”PersonDonald Trump“President defending Republican candidates and campaigning in Florida and Georgia”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 resident interviewed about the campaign”