Barack Obama delivered a powerful speech in Norfolk, Virginia, on behalf of congressional candidate Abigail Spanberger, emphasizing the need for effective leadership amid ongoing challenges in the country. The former president recently called for a ceasefire to the immigration raids that have kept immigration in the headlines day after day. He employed a colorful metaphor to describe today’s political environment.
“It’s like every day is Halloween except it’s all tricks and no treats,” Obama remarked, highlighting the distressing state of affairs under the Trump administration. His comments resonated with the audience as he condemned the deployment of ICE agents and the national guard in American cities, which he argued perpetuates fear and division among citizens.
Throughout the rally, Obama took aim at Donald Trump and the broader Republican agenda. He took aim at his opponents’ record, claiming their policies have made life worse for Virginians. “There is absolutely no evidence Republicans’ policies have made life better for you, the people of Virginia,” he stated. He rebutted an approach focused more on holding onto power than truly serving constituents.
Obama celebrated shooting star Abigail Spanberger as an A Star Example. He made a particular point of her strong bipartisan reputation, as well her lengthy experience as a former CIA analyst. He called her “the kind of leader who understands the mission” and reminded attendees of her commitment to serving the people.
“She knows who she works for,” said Obama, underscoring Spanberger’s bona fides and her focus on the struggles faced by hard-working Virginians. He noted that Spanberger is always working across the aisle. This level of dedication has endeared her to all, making her one of the most bipartisan members of the House.
In a lighter moment, Obama humorously suggested that if Spanberger wins, voters would not have to worry about healthcare access, quipping, “So Virginia, here’s the good news. If you can’t visit a doctor, don’t worry, he will save you a dance.” Yet this comment went on to really demonstrate his conviction that Spanberger represents a different breed of politician—one focused on compassion and service to the community.
Obama’s visit was part of a larger effort to mobilize support for Democratic candidates leading up to the elections. He campaigned for Spanberger with the fervor of a recent convert. Then he touted Mikie Sherrill’s remarkable biography as a navy chopper pilot and federal prosecutor in his remarks in Newark, New Jersey. He underscored Sherrill’s commitment as a mother of four and her attention to household economic strains families now experience.
During each stop in each state, Obama had one job—to get voters riled up and remind them just how high the stakes are in these upcoming elections. He focused on the enormous number of jobs lost thanks to cuts in federal spending during Trump’s administration. He called out what these cuts have meant for Virginia. “We’ve got masked ICE agents in unmarked vans pulling people in off the streets, including US citizens, on the suspicion that they don’t look like real Americans,” he said. This announcement served to highlight his ongoing worries with civil liberties and immigrant treatment.