Former President Barack Obama is set to embark on a 27-day campaign tour to support Vice President Kamala Harris, focusing on key battleground states in the run-up to Election Day. Obama, a highly influential figure within the Democratic Party, will begin his push next week in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as he looks to leverage his star power to help Harris in her quest for the presidency.
"President Obama believes the stakes of this election could not be more consequential, and that is why he is doing everything he can to help elect Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, and Democrats across the country," said Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to Obama. His involvement reflects growing concerns within the party over the tight margins in critical states, where voter turnout and last-minute persuasion could determine the outcome.
Obama's rally in Pittsburgh will be the first of a series of events across battleground states, aimed at mobilizing Democratic voters. Beyond rallies, Obama is also lending his voice to candidate-specific ads and email campaigns designed to boost fundraising efforts, with the goal of driving momentum in the final weeks before the election. Last month, Obama headlined a fundraiser for Harris that raised $4 million, contributing to the more than $76 million he has helped generate for the Democratic campaign.
The 2024 election, in Obama's view, is an "all-hands-on-deck" moment, underscored by razor-thin polling margins. A Fox News survey last week showed Harris leading former President Donald Trump by just two points (50-48%) among registered voters in Pennsylvania. The stakes are high, with Pennsylvania considered one of the most critical swing states, as it was in the 2020 election when President Joe Biden won the state by more than 80,000 votes.
Obama has long been a vocal supporter of Harris, publicly backing her since her nomination and drawing parallels between her candidacy and his own historic 2008 run. At the Democratic National Convention in August, Obama emphasized that Harris was "ready for the job" and warned that the road to the White House would be challenging. "It's up to all of us to fight for the America we believe in. And make no mistake: it will be a fight," Obama said during his speech.
The friendship between Obama and Harris dates back over 20 years, having first met when Obama was running for Senate in Illinois. Harris was an early supporter of Obama's 2008 presidential bid, traveling to Iowa to knock on doors for him ahead of the caucuses. "No job was too small for any of us," Harris once recalled about her time campaigning for Obama. Their long-standing relationship has only strengthened over the years, with Obama continuing to advocate for Harris as she aims to make history as the first female president of the United States.
As part of his efforts, Obama will travel to other key battlegrounds, including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida, all states that could tip the balance in the election. In addition to rallies, Obama has recorded ads supporting Senate candidates in those states and has signed on to various fundraising campaigns to ensure down-ballot Democratic victories.
Schultz, Obama's senior advisor, said, "His goals are to win the White House, keep the U.S. Senate, and take back the House of Representatives." Obama's upcoming appearances are part of a coordinated "get out the vote" effort by the Democratic Party to ensure that voter turnout remains high, particularly in states where races are expected to go down to the wire. "Nothing should be taken for granted," Schultz added.
Obama's involvement in the Harris campaign reflects the high stakes Democrats face in the 2024 election, especially with former President Trump maintaining strong support among Republican voters. Trump, who has already started his own campaign efforts, is expected to hold a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, this Saturday. This appearance marks his first visit to the state since an attempted assassination in July, and Trump continues to draw large crowds at his events.
The contrast between Obama's and Trump's campaign styles could not be more stark. While Obama focuses on mobilizing the Democratic base and reinforcing the idea of long-term change, Trump continues to campaign on populist messages that resonate with his core supporters. As the election approaches, both candidates are deploying their most powerful surrogates in a final effort to sway undecided voters and solidify their bases.
In Harris, Obama sees a candidate capable of continuing the movement he began in 2008. "Kamala wasn't born into privilege. She had to work for what she's got, and she actually cares about what other people are going through," Obama said during a speech last month. "Each time we win, it's solidifying this new future. Eventually, that will become the new normal and the new reality."
