Former POTUS Barack Obama is urging voters to reject the “lawlessness and recklessness” of Trump’s administration–but in his typical too smooth fashion, he had a viral moment.
During a rally for Democrat Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, O’Charma cheekily silenced a supporter with compliments before bringing up his “fine” wife, forever FLOTUS Michelle Obama.
Source: Anadolu / Getty
Obama spoke Saturday at a rally for not only Sherill, but also Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk, Virginia, a fellow center-left Democrat running for Governor.
At Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Obama told supporters the country’s politics are in “a pretty dark place.”
“Every day this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness,” he said.
Reuters reports Obama criticized Trump’s trade policies as “shambolic” and condemned his use of the National Guard in cities. He also faulted Republicans in Congress for refusing to act as a check on the president “even when they know he’s out of line.”
“The stakes are now clear,” Obama added. “We don’t need to speculate about the dangers to our democracy. Elections matter, and they matter to you.”
CNBC reports that Obama used humor and sarcasm to drive his point home at Sherrill’s New Jersey rally.
“It’s like every day is Halloween,” he said, “except it’s all tricks and no treats.”
He also mocked Trump’s reported White House renovations amid a government shutdown.
“In fairness he has been focused on some critical issues,” Obama said, “like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and building a $300 million ballroom.”
That mix of criticism and comedy kept the crowd energized. Classic Obama, back in campaign mode and reminding voters how the Democratic Party used to command a room.
Obama’s Viral Moment
Even amid the serious tone, Obama reminded crowds why he’s still one of politics’ most magnetic figures. During his stop in New Jersey, a lighter moment quickly went viral when he playfully responded to a screaming supporter before turning to the crowd with his signature grin and referring to his wife Michelle as “fine.”
“I heard you, girl. Just settle down!” said Obama. “I’m here to talk to everybody, not just you. I mean, you look cute. But I am married. Michelle’s fine too!”
The exchange drew laughter and applause, offering a flash of Obama’s trademark charm.
Democrats Push Unity and Stability
According to CNBC, Obama praised both Spanberger and Sherrill as experienced leaders who could bring stability back to government and “improve voters’ financial circumstances.”
Spanberger, a former congresswoman and CIA officer, told the crowd Virginia could “send a message amid the recklessness and the heartlessness coming out of Washington.”
Sherrill, a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, spoke directly to national stakes.
“When everything seems to come down to our election,” she said, “when people across the nation look at me with fear and despair in their eyes and ask me, is New Jersey up for this moment? My answer was, ‘Hell yeah.’”
Both Democrats have leaned into kitchen-table issues like inflation and healthcare while also defending abortion rights, framing themselves as practical leaders in an increasingly polarized climate.
Reuters reports that Spanberger holds a comfortable lead in Virginia polls, while the New Jersey race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli remains closer.
Closing out his speech, Obama urged supporters to vote and “set a glorious example for the nation” by rejecting division.
“We’ve been through darker times,” he said. “But we always rise up. Let’s make sure we do it again.”
