Former US President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump held rival campaign rallies in Georgia and Ohio on Wednesday, trading criticism over the war in Iran, tariffs and the economy just five days before midterm elections. Here are some of the key takeaways from their rallies: “The current president chose to make a series of bad decisions, the most important of which was to start an unnecessary war that nobody asked for and nobody voted for,” Obama said during a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia. The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, targeting Tehran as well as the country’s nuclear and military facilities, and killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking officials.
Tehran responded with attacks on US military assets across the region and closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Although a ceasefire was reached in April – and a memorandum of understanding was signed in June – both fell apart, while efforts to secure lasting peace have stalled over Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions and the reopening of the strait. The US media has also reported that the US is low on weapons – particularly its Patriot missile interceptors.
And Iran now has veto power over the Strait of Hormuz where much of the world’s oil goes through to get to consumers,” Obama told supporters. This is the reason why the price of diesel is up. The price of just about everything is up,” he added.
Obama argued these have increased the cost of goods for American consumers rather than delivering the economic benefits promised by the administration. The two countries have been locked in a trade war, with Trump announcing 50 percent tariffs on Canadian vehicles and auto parts from January 2027. Canada retaliated with its own matching tariffs as talks fell apart in August.
He also criticised Trump’s approach to US allies and Russia. At an earlier rally, Obama had criticised Trump’s plans for a new ballroom, changes to the Rose Garden and the addition of gold decorations. He should be on HGTV,” Obama joked.
That part didn’t bother him,” Obama said. Not to inflation, but to that joke.” He also talked about his own fondness for the restaurant chain. That was my jam for about a decade.” Returning to Trump’s renovations, Obama added: “He is literally doing arts and crafts while we are fighting a war and trying to deal with out-of-control prices.” Obama closed his speech reflecting on American political culture, saying the country’s problems go beyond inflation, economic inequality and government policy.
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