“This is our last chance to stop him”: Obama attacks Trump while campaigning for Democrats

Former U.S. President Barack Obama sharply criticized President Donald Trump over his policies, from the war with Iran to rising consumer prices, during a campaign appearance in Ohio on Saturday, October 24, as he rallied support for Democratic candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Obama, who served as president from 2009 to 2017, appeared at a rally in Cleveland to support Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio, and Sherrod Brown, who is seeking to unseat Republican Senator Jon Husted.

“These elections are our last and best chance to at least put a stop to some of the nonsense coming out of this administration,” Obama said. “This is a reset. We need to hit that reset button. We need to start holding this administration accountable.”

Obama also acknowledged voters who turned away from Democrats in 2024 because of economic concerns and inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he blamed Trump for the current state of the economy, saying prices had risen further under his administration.

“If you thought everything was too expensive before ‘you know who,’” Obama said, referring to Trump, “everything is even more expensive now.”

He also argued that the war with Iran had given Tehran “veto power” over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that had remained open to maritime traffic before hostilities began in February.

During his evening rally, Obama also mocked Trump’s efforts to renovate the White House, joking about the extensive use of gold-colored decorations.

“What is all this gold? He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory!” Obama said, referring to the American restaurant chain known for its elaborate décor.

Obama’s visit to Ohio was intended to boost Brown’s bid to defeat Republican Senator Jon Husted and Acton’s campaign against Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Obama is also scheduled to visit Michigan to support Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

Trump, meanwhile, voted early in West Palm Beach, Florida, alongside first lady Melania Trump, before heading to Georgia for a rally supporting Republican candidates.

Speaking to reporters about the war with Iran, Trump said Saturday: “I’ve fought it very effectively, and I may have to end it, or maybe they’ll make a deal, but I’m not sure. Either way, we won.”

The president has faced mounting pressure over rising oil prices linked to the wars in Iran and Ukraine. His administration recently reached an agreement with Russia to allow diesel exports to the United States, despite opposition from lawmakers in both parties.

Early and mail-in voting is already underway ahead of the November 3 elections, which will determine which party controls Congress for the remainder of Trump’s presidency.