Barack Obama Shares Candid Thoughts on Trump Administration
In a lively gathering in Newark on Saturday, November 1, former President Barack Obama spoke at length to show support for New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidate, Mikie Sherrill.
With the pivotal Election Day closing in, Sherrill is only slightly ahead of the competition against her Republican contender, Jack Ciattarelli, as recent surveys suggest.
Obama’s speech was fervent, departing from his usual calm demeanor, as he characterized the Trump administration’s policies as “worse than even I expected.”
He remarked, “It’s not as if we didn’t see some of this coming. I have to say, it’s even worse than I thought, but I warned you all, and the records will show that. And, frankly, he told you too, because he was clear about his intentions.”
Continuing, Obama noted, “Many cast their votes for Trump and other Republicans, not because they opposed free speech or supported cuts to public health, but driven by worries over inflation, rising gas costs, housing struggles, and their children’s future.”
He further criticized the administration for actions like deploying national guards in cities and conducting ICE raids. “We’re witnessing a president dispatching the National Guard, claiming to address crime surges that aren’t there,” Obama asserted.
Campaign Focus in Virginia
While campaigning for Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama playfully criticized Trump’s preoccupation with White House refurbishments.
“The priority seems to be on things like cementing the Rose Garden to keep shoes immaculate, gold embellishing the Oval Office, and erecting a $300 million ballroom,” Obama observed. “Virginia, forget about seeing a doctor—at least you’ll have a spot to dance.”
The backdrop of his comments is a prolonged federal government shutdown, already a month old since starting on October 1, with little progress in sight. Democrats aim to prolong health insurance assistance, while the Trump administration wrestles with budget standstills.
Obama’s remarks resonate as Election Day looms on November 4. Democrats maintain hope for Sherrill, bolstered by a significant voter registration lead of about 860,000. Suffolk University polling shows her a narrow four-point advantage, while Emerson College’s recent poll indicates a closer race, with Sherrill edging ahead 49 percent to 48 percent.
Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, mentioned to Mirror US: “The real question is whether the Republicans can muster enough gains to bridge this gap. Even cautious Democrats acknowledge that Republicans will need a remarkable turnout to close what could be a 250,000 to 275,000 vote deficiency.”
