Obama cozies up to Dem Party's socialist wing as former president makes surprising midterm moves
Former President Barack Obama is increasingly throwing his political weight behind socialist and socialist-aligned Democrats as the party's left wing gains ground ahead of the midterm elections.Democratic Socialists of America-backed...
By Fox News · Fox News
Former President Barack Obama is increasingly throwing his political weight behind socialist and socialist-aligned Democrats as the party's left wing gains ground ahead of the midterm elections. Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates have scored several notable primary victories this year, adding to signs of the left wing's growing influence in Democratic politics ahead of November's midterms. While Obama is not backing every socialist candidate , his recent endorsements and campaign appearances show he is willing to bring some of the party’s most progressive figures into the Democratic coalition. "President Obama remains the most popular figure in Democratic politics and a kingmaker whose support candidates actively seek," Democratic strategist Kevin Walling told Fox News Digital of the president who left office nearly a decade ago. "He understands that a Democrat who can win in New York City and a Democrat who can win in Michigan and Ohio have different politics, and the ability to bring those people into the same coalition is exactly what makes him so valuable." BIDEN CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT FROM CAMPAIGN TRAIL AS OBAMA, HARRIS STEP UP FOR MIDTERM PUSH Obama's embrace of the party's progressive wing was on display Saturday in Michigan, where he campaigned alongside Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, while also lending his support to Florida Senate nominee Angie Nixon in a campaign video. While El-Sayed does not identify as a democratic socialist or a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he has embraced progressive policies, including Medicare for All, that have become central to the party's left wing. During the Michigan rally, Obama invoked healthcare to defend Democrats against accusations that the party has moved too far to the left. "What is so radical about wanting everybody to have health care?" Obama asked, as he promoted El-Sayed’s pledge to expand access to affordable coverage. Obama’s comments prompted critics to revisit his…