Obama rallies Democrats in Indiana
WASHINGTON— No longer reluctant to speak out, former President Barack Obama delivered a closing argument for Democrats that seeks a firm check on President Donald Trump’s policies in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Mr. Obama and Mr. Trump offered competing visions for the country in a split screen of campaigning on Sunday, seeking to galvanize voter turnout in the fight to control Congress and governors’ mansions.
Mr. Obama rallied Democrats in Gary, Ind., on behalf of Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., who faces a stiff challenge from Republican businessman Mike Braun. Later in the day, the former president was campaigning in his hometown of Chicago for businessman J.B. Pritzker, Democrats’ nominee for Illinois governor.
Mr. Obama has taken on a more public role this fall after refraining from offering a full-blown counterpoint to Mr. Trump’s policies, which have sought to dismantle Mr. Obama’s legacy. Without invoking his name, Mr. Obama has accused Mr. Trump of lying and “fearmongering” and warned Democrats not to be distracted.
Mr. Trump has punched back, accusing Mr. Obama of leaving behind a trail of broken promises on trade, the economic recovery and a promise during his presidency that patients could keep their doctors under his health care law. He headlined a Sunday afternoon rally in Macon, Ga., before appearing later in Chattanooga, Tenn., in support of Republican Brian Kemp, who is running for Georgia governor, and Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who is seeking an open Senate seat in Tennessee.
Mr. Obama praised Mr. Donnelly during the rally in northwest Indiana as someone who’s honest and direct, telling voters, “You don’t want a yes man.”
Mr. Obama’s appearance in Gary was sandwiched between Mr. Trump’s trips to Indiana on Friday and Monday to help Mr. Braun.
Mr. Donnelly has often sounded far more like Mr. Trump than Mr. Obama on issues. He angered some Democrats by embracing some of Mr. Trump’s priorities, including a border wall with Mexico. But he has supported the Affordable Care Act, the health care overhaul signed into law by Mr. Obama.
The former president told thousands of cheering supporters that he and Mr. Donnelly don’t always agree. But he said it was more important to elect a senator who will put what’s best for his state over his party.