WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Barack Obama is ramping up his involvement in politics ahead of November’s elections. On Monday, he endorsed more than 200 Democrats running for offices ranging from local to national.
Today, I’m proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren’t just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service. They deserve your vote: pic.twitter.com/NO5jnhX3XD
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 1, 2018
The endorsements include close races where his political cachet could make a difference, veterans of his campaign and White House, and younger more diverse candidates. Last month, Obama endorsed 81 Democrats running in the 2018 elections. In a statement, Obama describes the candidates as “Americans who aren’t just running against something, but for something.”
Obama’s moves come as he and former first lady Michelle Obama re-engage in public life. The former president has campaigned on behalf of several Democratic candidates, while Michelle Obama has been working to help lead a working group to help register new voters.
Why not Beto?
Beto has kept the national party at arm’s length, and he’s probably right to do so with Obama* because Canadian Cruz will leap all over that for extremely negative effect. Even people who don’t like him would use that as excuse to vote against Beto.
(*If that’s what he is doing.)
So this was the 2nd wave. Who was in the 1st wave? Will there be a 3rd wave?
All little points that could have perhaps put the story in better context.
edit: First wave… https://www.businessinsider.com/obama-endorsements-2018-midterm-elections-2018-8
Or maybe Beto WAS in the first wave? I don’t know that, but it’s possible. Perhaps Obama asked first if they wanted his endorsement?
No Beto or Feinstein in the 1st wave. I’m guessing that’s a strategic move, not any kind of snub…