Obama skewers Trump as incompetent, corrupt as he rallies Dems in Detroit

October 25, 2026

Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Detroit for Michigan Democratic candidates ten days before the midterm elections, criticizing the Trump administration before a crowd of over 4,000 people at Cass Technical High School. Obama endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate and Jocelyn Benson for governor, drawing parallels between attacks on El-Sayed's background and the racist birther conspiracy he himself faced during his presidency. El-Sayed has received significant financial backing from progressive leaders Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, with Sanders contributing $1 million to counter pro-Israel groups supporting El-Sayed's Republican opponent Mike Rogers.

Who is affected

Abdul El-Sayed (Democratic U.S. Senate candidate)
Jocelyn Benson (Democratic gubernatorial candidate)
Mike Rogers (Republican U.S. Senate candidate and former U.S. Representative)
John James (Republican gubernatorial candidate and congressman from Shelby Township)
Michigan voters
More than 4,000 rally attendees
Bernie Sanders (U.S. Senator from Vermont)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (U.S. Representative)
American-Israel Public Affairs Committee
Various other Democratic candidates including Garlin Gilchrist II, Eli Savit, and Mary Sheffield
Debbie Rosenman and her son (who relies on the Affordable Care Act)

What action is being taken

Obama is rallying voters and campaigning for Democratic candidates in Detroit
El-Sayed is running against Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate seat
Benson is running against John James for governor
Bernie Sanders is committing $1 million to El-Sayed's joint fundraising committee
Get-out-the-vote efforts are underway
Kerry Washington and Adam Brody are knocking on doors to encourage Detroit residents to vote
Trump is stumping with Rogers in Port Huron

Why it matters

This election represents a critical referendum on the Trump administration's policies, with Obama characterizing it as "the circuit breaker in the system" and the "last, best chance to at least reign in some of the foolishness of this administration." The race highlights broader national debates about healthcare access, particularly the future of the Affordable Care Act, which directly affects constituents like those paying high premiums for coverage. The Senate race also reflects tensions around identity politics and representation, with El-Sayed facing attacks on his background similar to the racist birther conspiracy Obama experienced, making this a test of whether voters will reject such divisive tactics. The influx of millions of dollars from both progressive supporters and pro-Israel opposition groups underscores the high stakes and national attention focused on Michigan's elections.

What's next

Bernie Sanders is set to rally with El-Sayed in Grand Rapids on Sunday, October 25
Sanders will campaign in Alpena and Ann Arbor on Monday, October 26
The midterm election will take place on November 3 (ten days from the rally date)
Voters need to get to the polls by November 3

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com