Obama Revives 'Hope' in New DNC Ads After Raising More Than $13 Million for Democrats
The former president has endorsed Ossoff, Shapiro and a slate of governors, and plans to campaign with Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Oct. 24.
Former President Barack Obama is reviving the "hope and change" theme of his 2008 campaign in new digital ads for the Democratic National Committee, part of a fall push that has already raised more than $13 million for Democrats. CBS News viewed the ads exclusively.
In one direct-to-camera message, Obama says he is "energized" by Americans "taking a stand" and demanding change. A 52-second spot discusses the difficulties of the past two years without naming President Trump. It urges Democrats to win "one of the most consequential elections in our country's history" and says every citizen can help "turn hope into action." A DNC official said the six-figure, multiplatform ad buy supports mobilization, voter turnout and grassroots fundraising.
DNC Chair Ken Martin said Democrats are entering November with momentum, "but we're not taking anything for granted." He said Obama's support will help Democrats win races "up and down the ballot."
The money is substantial. CBS News reports Obama has raised more than $13.6 million for Democrats since last year, through roughly half a dozen finance events and direct-mail campaigns for the DNC and other party committees. This week alone he raised more than $3.6 million at a fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Northern Virginia.
At that Wednesday night fireside chat, Obama said some states now in play were unexpected. He cited polling showing Democrat James Talarico ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in Texas and called Talarico "an outstanding candidate." He cautioned donors that the race is not a "sure thing," adding, "we have a chance."
In recent days Obama has endorsed Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff and Maine Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson. He has also backed gubernatorial candidates David Crowley in Wisconsin, Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, Deb Haaland in New Mexico and Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania. He recently recorded nearly two dozen ads for Democratic candidates.
On the trail, Obama will campaign with Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Oct. 24. At the fundraiser he defended El-Sayed against criticism that he is too far left, pointing to the candidate's support for a higher minimum wage and universal health care, which Obama compared to the ideas of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Earlier this year he campaigned with Iowa candidate Josh Turek, and in Texas with Talarico and gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa.
According to his office, Obama's fall strategy focuses on places where he can "move the needle" with Democrats and persuadable voters, and more campaign activity is expected to be announced.
The CBS report included statements only from the DNC and Martin. It did not include a response from Republicans or the Trump administration. Election Day is Nov. 3.
