Obama warns donors that races are 'on the razor's edge' as he ramps up midterm push

Former President Barack Obama has ramped up his involvement in the 2022 midterm elections, raising over $13 million for Democratic candidates. With less than a month until Election Day, Obama is appearing on the campaign trail, cutting ads, and urging Democrats to get involved. At a DSCC fundraiser in Virginia, Obama warned donors that every race is "on the razor's edge" and that the outcome could still slip away, even if some races show a narrow lead.

He cited Kansas, Nebraska, and Georgia as surprising states where Democrats have made inroads. Obama's involvement extends beyond fundraising, as he has made direct appeals for candidates and endorsed gubernatorial candidates in Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. The Democratic National Committee has launched a new series of ads urging Democrats to participate.

Obama emphasized the party's "big tent" approach, joking that it's a "pain in the butt" due to the wide range of ideological views. Despite some candidates running in states President Donald Trump won in 2024, Obama advised that politics starts with making people feel seen. A recent NBC News poll showed that while 30% would be more likely to vote for a Trump-endorsed candidate, 52% would be less likely, whereas 43% would be more likely to vote for an Obama-endorsed candidate, and 37% would be less likely.