Obama's 'iconic voice' eclipsed in 2025 election by Trump-era economic, affordability complaints
Former President Barack Obama resumed his campaign trail advocacy at the 11th hour of the 2025 election cycle, rallying support for the pair of Democrat gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and...
By Fox News · Fox News
Former President Barack Obama resumed his campaign trail advocacy at the 11th hour of the 2025 election cycle, rallying support for the pair of Democrat gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey before they successfully defeated their Republican opponents. "Congratulations to all the Democratic candidates who won tonight. It’s a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win," Obama posted to X Tuesday as the elections were called and handed Democrats wins in the handful of high-profile elections. "We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter." The former president's star power was touted as likely giving a boost to Virginia's Abigail Spanberger and New Jersey's Mikie Sherrill in the lead-up to Tuesday, though his presence became more of a "side note" as the Trump administration and its economic policies loomed large over both campaigns. "The further we get away from the Obama presidency, the more people believe that he didn't get that much accomplished. I don't think many voters are looking backward, even if Obama may still be an iconic voice inside the party," former chief counsel to House Judiciary Committee Democrats Julian Epstein told Fox News Digital when asked about Obama's presence at rallies, saying the president was more of a "side note" amid the campaign. OBAMA INSISTED BLACK MEN VOTE FOR HARRIS BUT NOW STUMPS AGAINST VIRGINIA'S BLACK LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Obama endorsed both Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill in October in video endorsements touting their leadership, while also taking digs at the Trump administration and Republicans. Obama has long served as the Democratic Party's campaign closer, zig-zagging states to drum up support in local, state and federal elections since he departed the White House in 2017. Obama kept that momentum going in 2025, as the party overall still navigate…