Former U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a fiery campaign speech in Virginia on Saturday, criticizing Donald Trump and Republican policies while rallying support for Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Abigail Spanberger. With polls showing Spanberger holding a commanding lead, Obama’s appearance aimed to energize voters ahead of the November 4 election, which is viewed as a key barometer of national sentiment toward Trump and both major parties.
Obama’s Sharp Critique of Trump
Speaking before a lively Norfolk crowd, Obama mocked Trump’s priorities, saying: “As for the president, he has been focused on critical issues like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and gold-plating the Oval Office and building a $300m ballroom. So, Virginia, here’s the good news. If you can’t visit a doctor, don’t worry, he will save you a dance.” The former president’s humor underscored his criticism of Trump’s leadership, which he framed as self-serving and detached from Americans’ everyday struggles.
Spanberger’s Strong Polling Lead
Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA analyst and three-term congresswoman, currently leads Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears by 14 points, according to a YouGov poll conducted from 17 to 28 October. Obama praised Spanberger as a bipartisan problem-solver who “has real, practical plans to grow the economy, strengthen schools, and lower the cost of everything from housing to healthcare to energy.” If elected, Spanberger would become Virginia’s first female governor.
Focus on Virginia’s Struggles
Obama emphasized Virginia’s economic hardships, especially the thousands of federal workers affected by Trump’s spending cuts and the ongoing government shutdown. “There is absolutely no evidence Republicans’ policies have made life better for you, the people of Virginia,” he said. “They have devoted enormous energy trying to entrench themselves in power, punishing their enemies and enriching their friends and silencing their critics.” Virginia, home to many federal employees, has been hit hard by job losses and furloughs.
Spanberger Responds to Culture Wars
In a recent debate, Earle-Sears centered her campaign on culture-war topics, particularly transgender participation in sports. “Are you going to change in a gym where men are nude in the locker rooms? Are you going to do that, Abigail?” Earle-Sears asked. Spanberger replied that no such situation should ever occur and that “decisions on transgender athletes should be made between parents and educators in each community, not dictated by politicians.” At the rally, Spanberger said her opponent was “focused on the wrong things,” stressing the need to address healthcare, housing, and energy costs.
Obama’s Broader Campaign Swing
Obama’s rally in Virginia was part of a broader effort to boost Democratic candidates in key states. Later on Saturday, he appeared in Newark, New Jersey, to support Representative Mikie Sherrill, who leads Republican Jack Ciattarelli 51% to 42% in the same poll. Obama commended Sherrill’s service as a Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, saying she embodies “the kind of leader who understands the mission.”
Criticism of Trump’s Domestic Policies
In Newark, Obama continued his attacks on Trump’s record, particularly his use of federal forces. “We’ve got a president who deployed the national guard in American cities and claimed to be stopping crime waves that don’t actually exist,” Obama said. He added, “It’s like every day is Halloween except it’s all tricks and no treats,” referring to reports of immigration raids on Halloween night. The remarks drew applause as Obama accused Trump of promoting fear and division.
Outreach to Rising Democrats
Obama also made headlines earlier Saturday for personally calling New York mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani to offer guidance if he wins. Mamdani’s spokesperson, Dora Pekec, confirmed that the former president offered to be “a sounding board” and praised his “words of support.” Mamdani, a Uganda-born state assembly member leading against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, thanked Obama for backing “a new kind of politics.”