Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said President Obama should be logging more time on his day job and less time campaigning on behalf of Democrat Hillary Clinton.
At a rally in North Carolina, Mr. Trump said Mr. Obama’s lack of focus is hurting the nation on the world stage.
He highlighted Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement that he plans to pivot the Asian nation away from its long-time alliance with the United States and establish stronger military and economic ties with China and perhaps Russia.
“I mean why is Obama campaigning? He ought to be out working … right?” Mr. Trump said, sparking applause from the crowd.
“We’ve been in the Philippines practically forever — a very important strategic ally — and what happens? China and Russia are probably going to take it, and I, and I see him out there campaigning for Crooked Hillary,” he said. “Come on. Come on. Give me a break.”
Compared to the 2014 midterm elections, Mr. Obama has had a much more visible role in the 2016 campaigns.
Mrs. Clinton is hoping to remake Mr. Obama’s winning coalition from the 2008 and 2012 elections and tap into his popularity now that his favorability rating is hovering above 50 percent.
Mrs. Clinton has a 43 percent approval rating, while Mr. Trump has a 35 percent approval rating, according to the Real Clear Politics average of polls.
Campaigning for Mrs. Clinton in Florida this week, Mr. Obama urged voters to reject Mr. Trump’s “dark, pessimistic, fear mongering vision of a country where we turn against each other and turn away from our role in the world.”
Mr. Obama also said Mr. Trump warnings of a rigged election and widespread voter fraud “undermines our democracy” because it “sows the seeds of doubt in people’s minds about the legitimacy of the election.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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