Obama Campaigns for Democrats Abrams, Warnock in Georgia

Former President Barack Obama began a cross-country tour on Friday to campaign for Democratic candidates in tight midterm races. His first stop was Georgia, where he stood alongside Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock, addressing a crowd of 7,000 at the Gateway Center Arena.

Key Quotes: Obama stressed the importance of electoral participation, stating, “Democracy is not self-executing. It depends on us working, nurturing, caring for it not just on Election Day, but every day in between.” He alluded to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade last summer, stating, “who will fight for your freedoms? Is it some of these folks in the GOP – politicians, judges – who think they should get to decide when you start a family, how many children you have, who you marry, who you love?” Obama criticized Warnock’s opponent, Herschel Walker (R), stating, “there is very little evidence that he’s taken any interest, bothered to learn anything about, or displayed any kind of information towards public service, or volunteer work, or helping people in any way. At least we really don’t know about it. And that does make you suspect.”

For Context: FiveThirtyEight (Center Bias) currently lists the Georgia senate race as a ‘dead heat,’ giving Walker a slight edge to win. In the Governor race, FiveThirtyEight has incumbent Brian Kemp (R) leading by seven points. The next stops on Obama's midterm campaign tour are Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin, all races Democrats hope to win to retain their majority.