Democrats are hoping former President Obama will help move the needle in the tight presidential race between Vice President Harris and former President Trump.
Obama is expected to be a major force in the final weeks of the campaign, appearing in key battleground states including Pennsylvania, where he will stump for Harris on Thursday.
Democrats, who have been eagerly awaiting his entrance on the campaign trail for weeks, say he — more than anyone — can help make the case for the vice president at a time when she most needs it.
“He does still pack a punch, and that is why despite the hand wringing and complaining each cycle, they wait until the end so that he’s not overused and has the most impact,” Democratic strategist Eddie Vale said.
Vale compared the Democrats’ elder statesman to the baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera, who was often brought in at the end of games to help his Yankees team win.
“You bring in Obama as the closer and like Rivera, no matter how old he is, when [Metallica’s] ‘Enter Sandman' starts blaring the crowd goes nuts.”
Those familiar with Obama’s campaign “blitz” say the former president won’t simply focus on rallies. He will also be actively involved in key Senate and House........