Former President Barack Obama came to the rescue of the Democratic Party on Friday, less than two weeks before the midterm elections in the United States.
While the current resident of the White House, Democrat Joe Biden, is humble, Obama (2009-2017) appears everywhere and in his party’s campaign videos.
On Friday, the two leaders spoke simultaneously in two different corners of the country, in this case two key states for the Democratic party’s campaign: Biden in Pennsylvania (northeast) and Obama (south) in Georgia.
In their speeches, they both had the same idea: to save American democracy by stopping the Republicans, party of former President Donald Trump (2017-2021).
– Outstanding comeback –
But the former president stole attention from his deputy, Biden, with his remarkable oratory.
“We don’t know what will happen if they win,” Obama said of the Conservatives, who were visibly enjoying the enthusiasm of the Atlanta crowd.
“I want you to get up from the couch and vote! Drop your phones, leave TikTok alone, go vote!”
The former president had withdrawn from the political arena to devote himself to activities such as documentaries, broadcasts and philanthropy, among others.
But it’s making a notable comeback and is holding a series of rallies: after Georgia it will be in Michigan and Wisconsin this Saturday, then in Nevada and then Pennsylvania on Tuesday.
When challenged by a protester in Detroit, Michigan (north), Obama responded:
“Sir, that’s exactly what I’m trying to implement. Here is a turning point in our democracy. I’m the one speaking, you’ll have the opportunity to speak later. You wouldn’t do that at your workplace.”
For now, polls predict the Democratic Party will retain precarious control of the Senate, but lose control of the House of Representatives to the Republican opposition.
However, the recent surge in candidate polls from the conservative right, including among Trump’s most ardent supporters, has the White House fearing larger-than-expected losses in the House. And even a defeat in the Senate that would put both Houses under Republican control.
– Democratic Balloon –
Obama has reason to be alert: his party suffered a heavy defeat halfway through its first term in the 2010 legislative elections.
“There is an inherent danger of being in the White House and in the power bubble,” he said of the elections, which tend to be against the ruling party.
Biden, who is often presented as a close to the “middle class” president, seems to be stuck in this “bubble” from the beginning of the campaign.
Despite traveling regularly to raise money for Democrats, the unpopular 79-year-old president did not dare to campaign in states like Arizona.
Until recently, in an interview in October, Obama expressed some concerns about the course of Democratic leaders.
He expressed his concern at seeing Americans plunge into abstract polemics, at the risk of appearing disconnected from their everyday anxieties. Also because of the electoral strategies adopted by the Republicans, who repeated the same messages against insecurity and inflation.
“I think being a little more concrete and a little more objective will go a long way in tackling the propaganda that is constantly being broadcast by Fox News,” Obama said.
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© Agence France-Press
source: Noticias
