Obama compares Trump's administration to a Halloween party, "but without the treats."
The former president described the Trump administration as "gloomy" while participating in crucial rallies for US state elections.
247 - Former US President Barack Obama broke his political silence and returned to the forefront of the Democratic Party campaign on the eve of the US state elections. Obama spoke this Saturday (1st) at two rallies in Virginia and New Jersey, where he made direct criticisms of Donald Trump, calling his policies "chaotic" and his government a "dark moment" for the country.
“Let’s face it: our country and our politics are in a pretty dark place right now. It’s hard to know where to begin, because every day the White House gives people a new dose of lawlessness, recklessness, pettiness, and just plain madness,” Obama said to a crowd of supporters of former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, a candidate for governor of Virginia. The speech took place at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, where it was received with enthusiasm.
In addition to Spanberger, the former president also participated in a rally in Newark in support of Representative Mikie Sherrill, who is running for governor of New Jersey. In an ironic tone, Obama joked about reforms promoted by Trump in the White House. "To be fair, he's been focusing on some critical issues, like paving the Rose Garden so people don't get their shoes muddy and building a $300 million ballroom," he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Obama also criticized the current administration's economic policy, especially the import tariffs imposed by Trump. "Costs haven't decreased for ordinary families, but have increased, thanks to this disastrous tariff policy," he stated.
The state elections next Tuesday (4) are considered decisive for the political balance before the midterm legislative disputes in 2026. Control of Congress, currently divided, will determine the advancement or blocking of the main policies of the Trump administration.
Recent polls show Abigail Spanberger, 46, with a significant lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, 61, while Mikie Sherrill leads by a narrow margin over Jack Ciatterelli, 63, who is running for governor of New Jersey for the third consecutive time.
Dispute in New York
Another highlight of the elections will be the race for mayor of New York City. The favorite is Democrat Zohran Mamdani, 34, a Muslim and socialist state representative from Queens. Born in Uganda, Mamdani received personal support from Obama, who called him to praise his campaign and offered to be his advisor should he win the election.
Obama's move is seen as a strategic effort by Democrats to contain the Republican advance and signal unity against Trump's policies. Analysts believe his active participation could mobilize young and progressive voters in key states for the party's political future.
