Barack Obama used a fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to underline the stakes of the upcoming midterm election, as party leaders grow more confident about their chances of reclaiming the Senate.
The former president joined Delaware Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, the DSCC’s vice-chair, for a discussion about Democratic efforts to flip the upper chamber.
“I think he is just such a voice for our country, and of both realism and practical optimism, and I think we need that right now,” Ms Blunt Rochester said. “And I think he also lays the foundation for the significance of this election.”
Democrats currently trail Republicans 53-47 in the Senate and would need to gain four seats to take control. The party has become increasingly optimistic after several contests moved in its direction, including races in Texas and Ohio that are regarded as toss-ups.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats were seeing signs of dissatisfaction with Donald Trump and Republican senators who support him.
“We do not want to be overconfident, but what we’re seeing in state after state after state is that people are sick of Trump, they’re sick of the Republican Senate going along with them, and they see the clear divisions we have drawn between what we stand for and what they stand for,” he said last month. “That has put us on the edge of victory.”
Republicans have insisted they retain a route to holding their majority. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the party would focus on its record and its plans for the future during the remaining weeks of the campaign.
“Right now, there’s a lot of noise, there always is in the political atmosphere — some of it’s created by our opponents,” the South Dakota Republican told reporters. “But if we can stay focused, talk about the future and the two paths over the course of the next several weeks, based on our record of accomplishment, things we got done, things we still need to do, we’ve got a great argument.”
Obama expected to campaign in Michigan
Michigan is one of the key battlegrounds for both parties. Democrats are seeking to retain the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters, while Republicans see it as a major opportunity to gain ground.
Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed holds a narrow advantage over Republican challenger and former congressman Mike Rogers, according to a poll conducted by Mitchell Research and Communications.
Mr Obama is expected to campaign with Mr El-Sayed and other Democratic candidates in Michigan later this month. A source familiar with his thinking said his strategy would be “driven by where he can move the needle with Democrats and persuadable voters”.
The former president has also recorded two dozen adverts for Senate and gubernatorial candidates across the country. He has remained active in Democratic fundraising, including events with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
At a recent fundraiser, Mr Obama urged Democrats to develop a stronger approach to artificial intelligence, including plans for safety, the effect on children and the possibility of job losses.
Mr Jeffries said he remained in contact with Mr Obama and former vice-president Kamala Harris, and expected both to stay involved until election day. He predicted that House Democrats would retake control of the chamber, describing the campaign as “an all-hands-on-deck effort”.
