National
Barack and Michelle Obama endorse nearly 100 midterm candidates
The Obamas are dipping a toe back into politics.
Barack and Michelle Obama on Wednesday released a list of nearly 100 Democratic candidates in more than a dozen states whom they are endorsing in this year’s crucial midterm elections, with plans to campaign for some of them this fall.
The endorsements are all in states that have already conducted Democratic primaries, except for New York, where the former president and first lady avoided weighing in on the contentious gubernatorial primary.
They have, however, made endorsements in California, including for Democrats facing other Democrats in November, thanks to the state’s unusual “jungle primary” system.
The nods have gone to candidates running for everything from state legislature to secretary of state to governor to the U.S House and Senate.
Notable endorsements include Georgia governor candidate Stacey Abrams, Nevada Senate candidate Jacky Rosen, and New Mexico House candidate Deb Haaland, who was one of the first congressional candidates to support abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Some notable absences include Texas Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke and New York congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but Obama’s team says this is just a “first wave” and that more endorsements will follow.
And some candidates may prefer not to get Obama’s nod, since his endorsement could backfire in more conservative areas.
The emphasis on down-ballot candidates reflects the fact that the president has quietly made redistricting, which is controlled by state legislatures, his top political priority since leaving office last year. The 2020 Census will kickstart the next round of map drawing.
Today I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they’re running to represent: pic.twitter.com/gWzalQhFas
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 1, 2018
Publicly, the former president and first lady have mostly steered clear of politics since Donald Trump’s inauguration, wanting to give the current president the same deference that Obama enjoyed from his predecessor, George W. Bush.
That approach has frustrated some Democrats who want to see their party’s most prominent leader and one of its few unifying figures join the fight against a president whom they feel does not deserve the respect shown to typical Oval Office occupants.
Parties often lose ground when they hold the White House, and the erosion under Obama was immense. Democrats lost nearly 1,000 state legislative seats during his eight years in office, along with both chambers of Congress.
“I am a proud Democrat, but I do think that … we’ve ceded too much territory. And I take some responsibility for that,” the former president told ABC News shortly after Trump’s election in 2016.
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 1, 2018
Latest Instagram Posts
More than 1,000 runners and walkers took on the “World’s Toughest 6K” at the 39th annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge! 🏃♀️🏃♂️ Cathedral City’s Amelio Chio claimed the overall win in 28:08, while Jade Belzberg took first place in the women’s division with a time of 30:42. Local athletes from across the Coachella Valley also made their mark on the challenging course! #PalmSprings #TramRoadChallenge #CoachellaValley #Running #RoadRace NBCPalmSprings
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Damian Walls extending the play for the TD, 2) Aiden Pope with the 100 yard pick-six, 3) Adam Tremper breaking tackles for the TD, 4) Trey Boulton snagging the contested catch, or 5) Devin Session with the TD throw on the run #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
We’re in Palm Desert this morning as demonstrators gather for the No Kings rally, joining a nationwide day of protests and calls for political accountability. We’re talking with people at the rally about why they’re here and what they hope their voices will accomplish. Events are taking place across the country, with organizers also encouraging voter participation ahead of the election. Follow NBC Palm Springs for more voices and scenes from today’s rally. #NBCPalmSprings #PalmDesert #NoKings #CoachellaValley #Protest CommunityVoices
We’re in Cathedral City this morning for the No Kings: Vote Early event, joining communities across the country focused on getting voters to the polls. We’re talking with people here about why they came out and what motivated them to participate. Nearly 3,000 events are taking place nationwide to encourage early voting and civic engagement. Stay with NBC Palm Springs for local voices and perspectives from today’s event. #NBCPalmSprings #CathedralCity #NoKings #VoteEarly #CoachellaValley CommunityVoices
“NO KINGS: VOTE EARLY”: Residents gathered at Palm Springs City Hall for the “No Kings: Vote Early” event, sharing what brought them out and why making their voices heard matters. #NoKings #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #VoteEarly #civicengagement
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley
The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings
Strong winds are expected across Southern California today, with speeds reaching 25 to 35 mph. Officials warn of possible falling trees, downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Southern California Edison says emergency crews will be on standby for possible power outages. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. #SouthernCalifornia #CoachellaValley #WindAdvisory #PowerOutage #SouthernCaliforniaEdison NBCPalmSprings
Sordid Lives is returning to Palm Canyon Theater October 30 through November 15! Playwright Del Shores joins NBC Palm Springs’ Tod Macofsky to talk about the beloved production and its long history in the Coachella Valley. Want to see the show? NBC Palm Springs is giving away two tickets! Enter on the promotions page at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SordidLives #DelShores #PalmCanyonTheater #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley DesertEntertainment NBCPalmSprings
🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews