‘He’s a force’: Obama answers call to boost Democrats - and rattle Trump

Key Points:

• Former President Barack Obama is actively campaigning for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, acknowledging El-Sayed’s criticisms of some Obama-era policies to bridge generational divides within the party.
• Obama has become a key figure in the final days of the 2026 midterm elections, delivering powerful speeches that criticize Donald Trump’s administration and urging voters to "flip" Congress to check Trump’s power.
• Democrats have strategically deployed Obama late in the campaign to boost turnout, especially among young and Black voters, leveraging his enduring popularity and ability to draw media attention.
• While some progressives critique Obama’s presidency for moderate compromises and unfulfilled promises, many see his involvement as a validation of the party’s leftward shift and a unifying force for diverse Democratic coalitions.
• Obama’s presence on the campaign trail also helps protect minority candidates like El-Sayed from xenophobic attacks, reinforcing his unique role as a positive and influential figure across the Democratic base.