Obama and Trump rally voters in final midterm sprint

· Politics · United States

Barack Obama campaigned for Democrats in battleground states including Michigan and Ohio, saying the November 3 election was "the last best chance to at least rein in some of the foolishness of this administration" and blaming the White House for higher living costs and for what he called "an unnecessary war that nobody asked for and nobody voted for." Donald Trump, campaigning in Michigan a day later, urged voters to oppose Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, invoking 9/11 and attacking his Muslim faith and Egyptian heritage. Trump also commented on rapper Nicki Minaj at the rally. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in both the Senate and House to overturn Republican majorities.

Why it matters:With control of Congress at stake, the closing days show how personal and polarised the campaign has become ahead of a vote with global consequences.

Key points

  • Democrats need a net gain of four seats in both chambers to take majorities.
  • Obama blamed the administration for higher living costs and an "unnecessary war".
  • Trump attacked El-Sayed's Muslim faith and Egyptian heritage in Michigan.

Sources (original reporting)

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