• Obama rallies for Spanberger in Norfolk, attacking Trump administration for lawlessness and prioritizing wealthy over working families
• Spanberger ties opponent Earle-Sears to federal cuts and tariffs while promising bipartisan Virginia governance
• Former president heads to New Jersey after rally to campaign for Democrat Mikey Sherrill’s gubernatorial bid

NORFOLK, Va. (TDR) — Former President Barack Obama delivered sharp criticism of the Trump administration while rallying supporters for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk, marking his first Virginia campaign appearance since his 2012 reelection bid.

Obama launches direct attack on Trump policies

The former president opened his remarks by accusing the current White House of “lawlessness, recklessness, mean-spiritedness, and craziness.” Obama specifically criticized the administration’s economic priorities, suggesting the Trump family has benefited financially while ordinary Americans struggle with rising costs.

“Is the economy working better for you? No, because it sure has gotten better for Trump and his family,” Obama told the crowd at the Norfolk rally. The comments reference ongoing debates about White House spending and the proposed ballroom, with Obama alleging the administration cares more about luxury projects than addressing inflation.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Spanberger positions herself as bipartisan moderate

Former Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger echoed Obama’s approach during her remarks, promising to work across party lines while distancing herself from partisan politics. The candidate emphasized her commitment to Virginia’s interests above party loyalty.

“I will always stand up for Virginia families. I will always work to grow our economy, and I will always put Virginia, not a president, not a party, first,” Spanberger said during the rally. Her campaign strategy focuses on tying opponent Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears to federal worker cuts and tariff policies unpopular with many Virginia voters.

The former congresswoman represented Virginia’s 7th District before launching her gubernatorial campaign, positioning herself as a moderate Democrat who can appeal to suburban and rural voters in the swing-voting Commonwealth.

Earle-Sears counters with conservative messaging

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears has rejected Spanberger’s moderate label, arguing her opponent’s positions on transgender issues and energy policy reveal a more progressive agenda. The Republican candidate has also highlighted Spanberger’s refusal to call for attorney general candidate Jay Jones to drop out after violent texts from 2022 emerged.

Jones spoke at the rally despite the controversy, appearing alongside Spanberger and Obama hours before the event concluded. The appearance has given Earle-Sears ammunition to question Spanberger’s judgment and commitment to moderate values.

The Republican campaign has focused on kitchen-table issues, emphasizing economic concerns and energy costs that resonate with Virginia families. Earle-Sears argues Democratic policies at both state and federal levels have contributed to financial strain on working-class households.

Obama continues multi-state campaign blitz

Following the Norfolk rally, Obama traveled to Newark, New Jersey, to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikey Sherrill. Sherrill faces Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a competitive race that mirrors Virginia’s gubernatorial contest.

Like Spanberger, Sherrill is attempting to tie her Republican opponent to President Trump’s policies and agenda. The strategy reflects Democratic campaigns nationwide seeking to nationalize state races by connecting GOP candidates to the White House.

Ciattarelli has countered by focusing on increases in energy costs under New Jersey’s Democratic administration, arguing that state-level policies matter more than national partisan battles. His campaign emphasizes affordability and cost-of-living issues that affect Garden State residents.

The former president’s dual-state campaign swing demonstrates Democratic concerns about maintaining momentum in traditionally blue or purple states where Republican candidates have gained traction on economic messaging.

Virginia race tests Democratic strategy

The Commonwealth of Virginia has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles, with Republicans winning the governorship in 2021 before Democrats reclaimed ground in subsequent contests. The Spanberger–Earle-Sears race represents a test of whether voters prioritize national partisan politics or state issues.

Obama’s involvement signals Democratic recognition that Virginia remains a battleground despite recent electoral successes. The former president’s popularity among Democratic voters could boost turnout, particularly in urban and suburban areas where Spanberger needs strong margins.

Will Obama’s attacks on Trump policies help Democrats in state races, or will voters focus on local governance issues?

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10