Former President Barack Obama is providing a boost for Democratic candidates across the country with a series of personalized ads in swing states.
Mr. Obama has launched television, radio and digital ads for gubernatorial and Senate candidates in several states including Nevada, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Florida and Illinois.
“Cheri works hard. She’s honest. And most importantly, she always puts the people first … this is going to be a close race, and we can’t afford to get it wrong,” Mr. Obama says in an ad for North Carolina Senate candidate Cheri Beasley.
Mr. Obama’s presence on the campaign trail is in stark contrast to President Biden, who is sticking close to Washington and mostly avoiding the campaign trail as the midterms draw nearer.
Mr. Biden, who continues to suffer low polling numbers and is a liability for Democratic candidates, has made few in-person appearances to stump for Democrats. This week, he is resorting to a series of virtual receptions with vulnerable candidates in swing districts.
When a reporter pressed him about Democratic candidates not wanting him around, the president became defensive.
“That’s not true,” he said. “There’ve been 15 [candidates.] Count kid, count.”
In Mr. Obama’s ads, he zeroes in on issues such as abortion, the cost of prescription drugs and the state of democracy.
In an ad for Pennsylvania Senate nominee John Fetterman, Mr. Obama highlights the candidate’s commitment to protecting abortion rights.
A separate ad in Wisconsin for Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, seeking to unseat GOP Sen. Ron Johnson, warns voters that the control of the Senate relies on the state.
“Wisconsin, you’ve got a big responsibility this year. Control of the Senate is in your hands,” Mr. Obama says.
He also targets young voters in a digital ad that encourages youth turnout at the polls and makes several cultural references, like the HBO drama “Euphoria” and singer Rihanna’s new album.
“Two years ago, more young people voted than in any other election since the 1970s. And because you did, the direction of the country changed,” Mr. Obama says.
Mr. Obama is preparing to stump in person with candidates in Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia and Nevada.
He is expected to release more ads next week, with less than two weeks until Election Day.
Republicans have an edge in the midterm elections: Historically, the party that controls the White House loses seats in the midterms.
• Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner@washingtontimes.com.
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