In a final showdown, Obama and Trump battle over what’s now at stake

Obama and Trump Hit the Campaign Trail

Two decades on from Barack Obama’s first campaign to take battleground states in order to challenge a Republican president over an unpopular war and struggling economy, Obama has returned to the campaign trail with renewed vigour. Over the weekend Obama travelled to Ohio and Michigan to energize Democratic voters in the lead-up to the midterms.

During his stops in Cleveland and Detroit Obama attacked the Trump administration for creating "a country of chaos, cruelty, corruption and incompetence", telling Americans "enough is enough." Whilst Trump was carrying out his own campaign rally in Georgia.

Similar Campaign Stops

These near identical campaign stops highlight the close relationship between both leaders. Obama’s coalition is based on an optimistic, inclusive approach which recognises that people from all parties share the same aspirations. Trump has appealed to people who are feeling intimidated by the pace of change and globalisation.

Obama represents a political approach based on institutionalism, pluralism and group improvement. Conversely Trump appeals to those with nationalistic views, who distrust the establishment and want to see the president play a more personal role. This is seen through the midterms.

Obama’s Messaging

Obama has emphasised that this election is a chance for voters to take control of increasing living costs and an unnecessary war with Iran. He argues that Trump has increased the price of essentials.

This is similar to Obama’s message back in 2008, where he criticised the Iraq War and an economy which was putting many working class people under financial stress. This time however he is being much more direct to reflect a more radical political climate.

Trump’s Response

Trump believes the country is currently experiencing a "Golden Age" with increased investment into manufacturing and job creation. He highlights that there is an increase in jobs with the announcement of an Audi plant in Georgia. He also dismissed Obama’s comments by stating that he is suffering from "the whining of a ludicrously inept ex-president."

Trump is also trying to play on Obama’s long standing weakness. Many working class people in the Rust Belt felt that they were neglected under Obama’s leadership. This helped boost Trump’s political career.

Testing Both Parties

The midterms are testing both parties’ ability to move forwards without their leading figure. Democrats are looking to young politicians like Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and James Talarico in Texas to appeal to a wider audience. Republicans are struggling to plan for the future without Trump.

Whilst Obama admitted that he has been doing this for a while, joking in Michigan that some may say he has "been doing this too long". However Obama remains one of the most powerful voices in the Democratic Party due to his continued popularity.

What the Midterms Could Decide

Both Obama and Trump are viewing the midterms as a vote on their legacy. For Obama it is a chance to remind people that everyday people can still bring about change. Whereas for Trump it is a chance to solidify his political movement.

This could decide whether either party can create a new wave of leaders who can inspire the public in the second quarter of the 21 st Century or if the Obama vs Trump rivalry will continue to dominate politics for years to come.

Source: CNN