After making history sixteen years ago, Barack Obama rejoined the campaign trail on Thursday for the 2024 presidential election, aiming to support Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency.

The former president took the spotlight at a rally for Harris in Pennsylvania, a key swing state, emphasizing that the election revolves around character and values versus mere policy differences. This event marks the beginning of a series of rallies across battleground states that will take place until November for the Vice President and other candidates.

Obama expressed, “Ultimately, this election is not solely about policies; it’s about the values we hold.” He spoke at a rally in Pittsburgh, a Democratic stronghold.

“It’s about our identity, how we treat one another, and the legacy we wish to leave for the next generations. It’s fundamentally about character.”

Democratic supporters are enthusiastic about Obama’s comeback, recognizing his significant popularity. Allies of Harris believe his presence is crucial for energizing the base and winning over undecided voters, who exist in a shrinking number.

“He is the orator of our generation, and his influence is undeniable,” commented Michael Blake, a former vice chair of the Democratic National Committee who has collaborated with Obama since his 2008 campaign.

“The inspiring speech he delivered in 2004 resonated with the nation, and he continues to do so 20 years later,” Blake remarked. “He has the potential to seal the deal, and this is his moment to shine.”

Obama’s re-entry into campaigning comes at a time of nervousness among Democrats, as some polls indicate vulnerabilities in key Democratic states during Harris’ fight against Republican nominee Donald Trump. Additional surveys reveal that lower-tier races, mainly for Congress, may be tightening or slipping away from Democrats, who already anticipate a tough battle to maintain their Senate majority.

Here are some key insights from Thursday’s rally.

Can Obama help reaffirm Democrats’ blue wall?

Obama’s involvement in the 2024 campaign comes as there are growing concerns about Harris’s standing in the Rust Belt states, commonly referred to as the Democrats’ “blue wall” — specifically Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

To secure victory over former President Donald Trump, winning these three states is essential for Harris, just as Obama achieved during both of his elections. A sweep of the blue wall would mean Harris would not need to rely on wining any of the Sun Belt battlegrounds, such as Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada, provided she wins all states that President Joe Biden captured in 2020.

“This election is going to be competitive,” Obama acknowledged. “Many Americans are still facing struggles and looking to improve their lot in life for themselves, their families, and their children. We’ve certainly gone through many challenges as a nation in recent years.”

However, recent reports from the Wall Street Journal reveal that there are internal concerns among Democrats about Harris’s ability to attract a vital demographic in the Rust Belt: working-class voters without college degrees.

Recent Quinnipiac University polling indicates that Harris holds a narrow lead over Trump in Pennsylvania (49%-46%), but Trump is ahead in Michigan (50%-47%) and Wisconsin (48%-46%). In the FiveThirtyEight average of polls, Harris continues to lead in all three states, albeit by less than 1 percentage point in each, which is tighter than the margins just a few weeks ago after her debate with Trump on September 10.

“The momentum that Harris had post-debate is now fading as we enter the final stretch, with her slipping slightly in the Rust Belt,” cautioned Tim Malloy, a polling analyst at Quinnipiac University.

For both Harris and Trump, losing Pennsylvania and its 19 electoral votes—more than any other swing state—would significantly hinder their routes to the essential 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency.

Historically, the candidate who wins Pennsylvania has also carried Michigan and Wisconsin in every presidential election since 1988.

Senate is Shifting from Democratic Control

Just prior to Obama’s entrance, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro remarked to the crowd, “politics is a team sport,” while highlighting Sen. Bob Casey, D-Penn., who introduced Obama and is in a closely watched Senate race this year.

Obama’s appearance at the rally not only aimed to influence this year’s competitive presidential election but also to energize support for down-ballot candidates.

During Thursday’s rally, Obama encouraged voters to “choose a new generation” to lead the nation.

In the lead-up to this event, Obama featured in Senate campaign advertisements in states like Michigan, Maryland, and Florida, with further plans to participate in candidate-specific ads and make robocalls.

Currently, Democrats hold a narrow majority of 51 seats in the Senate, making it critical for them to win every contested race this fall, especially as the GOP is expected to claim the seat of retiring Sen. Joe Manchin in West Virginia.

Among the most exposed incumbents is Jon Tester, the Democratic senator from Montana, who has consistently been behind his Trump-backed Republican challenger, Tim Sheehy, in polls since August. A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena College shows Sheehy ahead of Tester by a margin of 52% to 44%.

If Democrats fail to maintain control of the Senate, it would significantly hinder a potential Harris presidency if she wins the election. Obama emphasized how important senators like Casey are for helping her achieve her agenda.

Obama’s commitment to supporting Harris is matched by his dedication to aiding other Democrats across the nation, according to Eric Schultz, a senior advisor to Obama.

“His objectives include winning the presidency, preserving the U.S. Senate, and regaining control of the House of Representatives,” Schultz explained. “With voting underway, our priority is to persuade and galvanize voters, particularly in critical race states. Many of these races are anticipated to be very close, and nothing should be assumed.”

Obama: Trump Again, Seriously?

Reflecting on the turbulent events of the past four years, including the global pandemic, Obama expressed his confusion over why anyone would support Trump.

“I find it unfathomable that anyone would believe Donald Trump can bring positive change, especially for you, in Pennsylvania. I don’t get it,” he stated. “There’s no proof that this individual cares for anyone but himself.”

Obama devoted a large portion of his speech to criticizing Trump, highlighting his controversial actions such as selling merchandise during campaigns, attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, and appointing Supreme Court justices who revoked abortion rights.

At one point, he even linked the GOP nominee to former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, known for making lengthy speeches. Obama condemned his successor for spreading misinformation regarding the federal response to Hurricane Helene and other contentious statements, including referring to political opponents as “vermin.”

“The notion of deliberately misleading people during their most vulnerable times—when did that become acceptable?” Obama questioned.

During the rally, the former president referenced the January 6, 2021, incident when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, chanting threats against then-Vice President Mike Pence, who was in the building at that time.

Obama pointedly asked, “If Donald Trump can overlook a mob attacking his own vice president, how can he possibly care about you?”

He humorously noted that it’s hard to envision Trump taking on everyday tasks, like changing a tire or a diaper, while highlighting Harris’ proposals to assist working Americans deal with rising costs in housing, childcare, and groceries.

Reflecting on his experiences, Obama remarked, “I remember changing diapers. Do you think Donald Trump has ever done that?”

A member of the audience yelled, “His own!”

To which Obama replied, “I nearly said that, but I held back.”

Obama encourages Black men to support Harris

Before the event, Obama made a short visit to a Harris campaign office in Pittsburgh. There, he urged Black male voters to get behind Harris.

Despite Harris having a substantial lead among Black voters, polling indicates that Trump has gained some traction with younger Black male voters.

In a tightly contested election, even minor shifts can have significant implications. The voter landscape is increasingly divided along gender lines, with discussions centered on family issues.

“I need to lay down some truths,” Obama stated, noting that he has received reports suggesting a lack of engagement and turnout in some communities compared to previous elections when he was on the ballot.

He remarked that this seems especially true among Black men and expressed a desire to speak directly to them.

Some experts have highlighted Trump’s remarks questioning Harris’ racial identity as a tactic to sow doubt about her heritage among certain Black voters, particularly those discontented with the rise of migrants in major cities, whom Trump has claimed are taking “Black jobs.”

Obama emphasized that Black voters have a candidate in Harris, “who understands your background, shared your experiences, and has been through similar struggles and joys.”

He asserted, “On the other hand, you have someone who has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of respect for your community and for you personally.” He questioned why some voters might be considering sitting out the election.

Obama added that he has noticed Black men “coming up with various excuses,” remarking that, “I have an issue with that.”

“This makes me wonder if the reluctance is due to the idea of having a woman as president, leading to the creation of alternative reasons,” he explained.

‘Truth or not’: Obama centers the election on ‘freedom’ and ‘values’

Obama presented the 2024 election as a choice between differing visions of “freedom” and contrasting “values.”

He stated, “For Donald Trump and his allies, freedom means allowing those in power to act without constraints,” claiming that Trump seeks to dismiss employees who try to organize and wants to regulate women’s rights over their own bodies.

In contrast, Obama explained that Harris and the Democrats “promote a larger concept of freedom”: the ability for Americans to take care of their families, breathe clean air, send children to safe schools, and for women to make autonomous decisions about their bodies.

“I’ve always maintained that there are individuals of principle on both sides of the abortion debate,” Obama continued. “However, if we truly believe in freedom, then we must agree that such deeply personal choices should be made by the woman involved, not determined by politicians.”

Subsequently, Biden criticized Trump, pointing out the “outright falsehoods” being spread.

Discussing the values at stake, he expressed concern over Trump’s political ascent, stating, “One of the most troubling facets of this election season is his rise.” In the past, debates between Republicans and Democrats primarily revolved around tax and foreign policy, but now, “we find ourselves arguing about the importance of honesty.”

“Ultimately, this election goes beyond just policies; it centers on values,” Obama remarked. “It reflects who we are, our treatment of one another, and the legacy we wish to pass on to our children and grandchildren. It’s fundamentally about character.”