‘Cruelty’ and lack of ‘decency’: Obama slams Ramaswamy ad featuring rival’s mother

Former US President Barack Obama criticized Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's ad featuring his Democratic rival Dr. Amy Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur. Obama called the ad an example of "cruelty" and a "lack of decency." Arthur, who served as Ohio's health director during the Covid-19 pandemic, had a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and homelessness.

Obama emphasized the need for decency in public officials and questioned why standards had fallen so low. Trump and Republican allies have defended the ad, while Ohio Republican leaders have asked for it to be pulled. The ad has become a national talking point as the midterm elections approach.