Washington, 25 October (H.S.): Campaigning for the United States midterm elections has intensified with just 10 days remaining before polling day, as President Donald Trump and former president Barack Obama step up their efforts to rally support for candidates from their respective parties.

Both political leaders addressed campaign events on Saturday, October 24, seeking to mobilise voters ahead of the November 3 elections. Trump held a rally in Perry, Georgia, while Obama campaigned in Detroit alongside Abdul El-Sayed and other Michigan Democrats. Obama has emerged as a prominent campaigner for the Democratic Party, repeatedly criticising the Trump administration during his appearances.

According to media reports, Obama has been playing a crucial role in energising Democratic voters. During his campaign appearances in Ohio and Michigan, he sharply criticised the Trump administration, accusing it of corruption and poor governance. Democrats are adopting an increasingly aggressive approach in closely contested states, while Republican strategists are facing challenges in their efforts to secure vulnerable seats.

Meanwhile, Trump acknowledged the challenges confronting Republicans in Georgia, telling supporters that a victory for the party in the state's Senate race would be a significant achievement. The president was campaigning for Republican Representative Mike Collins, who is challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump also cast their ballots early in Florida. Their decision comes despite Trump's previous criticism of early voting and mail-in ballots, although he has supported the use of early voting during the current election cycle.

Addressing supporters in Georgia, Trump suggested that Collins defeating Ossoff would be a surprising outcome. Republicans had been optimistic about their prospects of winning the Senate seat, but Collins has faced a fundraising disadvantage compared with the incumbent Democratic senator.

During the rally, Trump also announced that German automobile manufacturer Audi had committed to investing $4.2 billion in a new manufacturing facility near Macon, Georgia. The proposed plant is expected to produce approximately 200,000 vehicles annually. According to reports, the project is expected to generate around 4,500 jobs, although construction and production are planned to take place over several years.

Trump continued to criticise Somali immigrants during his campaign, questioning why the United States did not attract more immigrants from Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway.

Obama, meanwhile, criticised Trump's tariff policies, including those imposed on Canada. He also expressed sympathy for Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan, who has faced attacks from Republican opponents over his name and background.

With control of Congress at stake, both parties are relying on high-profile political figures to strengthen voter mobilisation and consolidate support in battleground states. The outcome of the November 3 elections is expected to have significant implications for the balance of power in Washington and the remainder of Trump's presidency.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar