On Oct. 13, former President Barack Obama announced his support for former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Ohio gubernatorial nominee Amy Action in their midterm campaigns. Obama will join their campaigns and help the Democratic Party attempt to take control of the U.S. Congress.
While this support from Obama can help lead the Democratic Party to a win, it is important to note the consequences of presidential involvement in key midterm races.
Recently, President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani came forward and discussed Election Day with reporters. Trump and Mamdani shared opposing interests in the races, with Trump focused on New York gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blackman and Mamdani highlighting New York’s current Gov. Kathy Hochul.
According to Spectrum News 1, these endorsements carry possible political risks for each campaign.
Due to Trump’s involvement with the war in Iran, expanding tariffs and his chaotic immigration crackdown, he is facing record-low approval rates. According to The Washington Post, Trump is sitting at a 33% approval rating among U.S. adults. 66% of them disapprove and 52% say they strongly disapprove. Even his own supporters are angry with the way his second term has been carried out.
For Republican candidates, this support is hard to swallow; while it looks good on paper, Trump’s reputation precedes him.
Democratic candidates are on the same slope, with Hochul facing the blow of Mamdani criticizing Israel during the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel in 2023.
“The suffering did not begin nor end that day,” Mamdani said in a written statement reported by Politico. “It instead continued through the Israeli government’s devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza in which it has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians, including more than 21,000 children.”
While Mamdani has been a longtime critic of Israel, this made Hochul’s race for governor harder to win. His words are powerful and his perspective matters; however, this is costing Hochul and other New York Democratic candidates key voters. His reputation, words and support matter, even the slightest bit.
Politics is a messy business to be a part of. Controversies and hurtful commentary follow you everywhere because it is posted everywhere. These candidates need to show support, but be careful with how they voice it.
As for Obama, he has been in the game for decades. His support and strategies for winning a campaign go beyond the broader scope of today’s politics. In fact, back in 2010, Obama visited my hometown of Elyria, Ohio, to speak about health reform. He stopped by the famous Smitty’s Place for a burger and a quick chat with the locals. Due to the visit, he now has an official corner in the restaurant and a place on the menu for the exact burger he ordered.
Obama’s charisma and care for the country were memorable. The pictures on Smitty’s website correspond with that attitude of smiles, laughs and good times with local citizens. The heart in his campaign created a wave of a healthy political environment we do not recognize anymore.
Despite that, Obama had faults during his presidency. His efforts in the war in Afghanistan and sending over 30,000 troops there were controversial among Americans. However, his love for the country and Americans did not end after his presidency.
His support for Acton and Brown goes beyond Trump and Mamdani’s endorsements. His legacy, attitude and change are what the country needs to focus on. It is important to note, through his success as a politician, he can outshine the faults and controversies that happened during his presidency.
Both Trump and Mamdani are currently struggling with this, but their voice could sway others to vote in their direction. The midterms this year are important, and it is no wonder presidents and other forms of leaders have stepped up to help create more voter turnout. It is a matter of whether people will listen to their message or tune them out in favor of their past behaviors.
This year, Election Day falls on Nov. 3. Find where your polling location is in Ohio or other states. Provide the right documents and walk into the voting booth proud of your vote. Whether you know the candidate from Trump, Obama, Mamdani or others, your voice matters. Make it known.
Natalie Saddler is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Natalie about their column? Email them at ns505423@ohio.edu.
