Obama Campaigns for Democrats, Criticizes Trump Policies

Former President Barack Obama took to the campaign trail Saturday to rally support for Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections, launching sharp critiques of the Trump administration's handling of consumer prices and its approach to the war in Iran.

Speaking in Cleveland, Ohio, Obama urged voters to elect Democrats to serve as a "circuit breaker" against what he called the "foolishness" of the current administration. He argued that while voters might have been concerned about costs under previous leadership, "everything is more expensive now" under President Donald Trump.

Obama also criticized the administration's foreign policy, stating that the war in Iran had given the country "veto power" over the Strait of Hormuz. He contrasted this with the period before hostilities began, which he said was open to marine traffic.

Earlier in the day, Donald Trump cast his early ballot in Florida. When asked about the Iran war, Trump responded that he was handling it "very effectively" and suggested either a deal would be made or he would "finish it off," adding, "Either way, we win."

Obama's visit to Ohio aimed to support candidates Amy Acton, running for governor, and Sherrod Brown, seeking re-election to the Senate. Obama also criticized Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Acton's opponent, for a campaign ad that featured Acton's estranged mother. Obama noted that the ad did not mention the mother's husband had been charged with raping Acton when she was a child.

Earlier voting is underway in advance of the November elections, which will determine party control of Congress for the remainder of Trump's term. Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Georgia on Saturday for Republican candidates.

Obama also made a lighthearted jab at the White House renovations, joking that the gold accents made it resemble "Saddam Hussein opened up a Cheesecake Factory."