Former President Barack Obama rallied for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger on Saturday, emphasizing her experience and plans while criticizing Donald Trump and Republican policies. The event came just days before the November 4 election, with polls showing Spanberger leading her Republican opponent. Obama used humor and pointed criticism to highlight what he called the Trump administration’s misplaced priorities. “As for the president, he has been focused on critical issues like paving over the Rose Garden and building a $300 million ballroom,” Obama said. “Virginia, here’s the good news: if you can’t visit a doctor, don’t worry, he will save you a dance.” The rally in Norfolk drew attention to Spanberger’s bid to become Virginia’s first female governor. According to a YouGov poll conducted between October 17 and 28, Spanberger has 55% support, 14 points ahead of Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. Obama later traveled to Newark, New Jersey, to campaign for Democratic representative Mikie Sherrill, who holds a 51% lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Obama praised Spanberger’s background as a former CIA analyst and three-term Congresswoman. He said her bipartisan approach and practical plans make her “the kind of leader who understands the mission.” He also highlighted Sherrill’s experience as a Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, noting that it prepares her to serve the public effectively. The former president criticized Republican policies on multiple fronts. “There is absolutely no evidence Republicans’ policies have made life better for you, the people of Virginia,” he said. “They have focused on entrenching themselves in power, punishing critics, and enriching their friends.” Obama cited federal job cuts under the Trump administration, including thousands of federal workers losing employment and hundreds of thousands furloughed during a government shutdown. He noted that Virginia, with its large federal workforce, has been particularly affected. At the rally, Spanberger emphasized that her opponent has prioritized culture-war issues over the real concerns of Virginians. “We need a governor who will recognize that people are struggling to afford healthcare, housing, and energy,” she said. She also stressed local decision-making for issues like transgender athletes in schools, stating it should involve parents and educators, not politicians. Obama highlighted Spanberger’s record of bipartisan cooperation in Congress. “Abigail has real, practical plans to grow the economy, strengthen schools, and lower the cost of living. She is willing to reach across the aisle to make it happen,” he said. One supporter at the Norfolk rally, Tanya Keller, praised Spanberger’s rational approach. Keller cited concerns about federal benefits, such as SNAP and Medicaid, and said Obama’s speech reinforced the importance of unity and fighting divisiveness. In New Jersey, Sherrill’s campaign has focused on Trump’s policies, including tariffs and healthcare impacts. She criticized her opponent for following Trump’s lead without independent judgment. “He’ll do whatever Trump tells him to do,” she said. Earlier Saturday, Obama spoke with New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, offering to serve as a “sounding board” and praising his campaign for bringing fresh ideas to local politics. Mamdani has polled ahead of his main rival, former governor Andrew Cuomo. The Virginia and New Jersey elections are seen as indicators of the nation’s sentiment toward Trump and Republican leadership in the off-year races. Obama’s appearances aim to mobilize voters and underscore the Democratic focus on practical governance, economic growth, and bipartisan cooperation. By combining humor, criticism, and support for qualified candidates, Obama sought to energize the Democratic base and encourage voters to choose leaders like Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill who prioritize results over rhetoric.