Obama claims the “character of our country” is on the ballot with midterms fast approaching. Last Friday former President Barack Obama stormed the Midwest, from Milwaukee to Detroit, blasting the Trump administration and Republicans. Compared to presidents past, Obama is taking a more direct and confrontational role in the current campaigns. Referencing Trump and the GOP as a whole, Obama went as far as to argue: “Throughout human history, certainly throughout American history, politicians have exaggerated. But what we have not seen before in our public life is politicians just blatantly, repeatedly, baldly, shamelessly lying. Just making stuff up.”
Obama claims that many Republican candidates, not just Trump, are flat out lying on the campaign trail. Referencing Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker, Obama further said “Calling up, down. Calling black, white. That’s what your governor is doing with these ads, just making stuff up.”
Obama was stumping for Democrat Tony Evers, who is seeking to unseat Scott. Obama alleges that Scott is lying when he says he will protect health care for those with preexisting conditions. Democrats have been making healthcare, specifically protecting those with preexisting conditions, a key plank in their platform.
Roughly one in four Americans suffer from chronic conditions that would qualify as preexisting if they lack healthcare. Arthritis, diabetes, and asthma are just some of the common conditions from which millions suffer.
In 2017, the Republican Party sought to erode “community ratings.” If they had been successful, those with preexisting conditions could have still qualified for healthcare coverage but would have paid far more money for it. The AARP estimated that those suffering from preexisting conditions would have paid $25,700 per year for coverage. The Trump administration is currently backing a lawsuit that, if successful, could strip protections for those with preexisting conditions.
Trump Cellphone Use Under Scrutiny
Obama didn’t limit his criticisms of the Trump administration to healthcare either. He also lambasted Trump for his use of personal cellphones. Apparently, China and Russia have been monitoring Trump’s calls and specifically who he’s contacting. Once foreign governments know who Trump is calling, they can try to sway or pressure his close associates, bringing them on board as potential allies. At least, that’s what the intelligence community argues.
Obama also linked Trump’s use of cell phones to the Hillary Clinton email scandal. Clinton came under intense scrutiny for using private emails and a private server that many alleged wasn’t properly secured. Obama believes that Trump is likewise exposing himself to security risks.
Trump hasn’t taken the criticisms laying down. On Twitter, the President fired back, arguing: “I rarely use a cellphone, & when I do it’s government authorized. I like Hard Lines. Just more made up Fake News!”
China has weighed in as well, saying that if there are concerns over Trump’s iPhones, he should switch to Huawei phones instead. The comment appears to be sarcastic as Huawei has come under intense scrutiny in the US. Many believe that Huawei phones have been compromised by the Chinese government.
2018 Midterms Shaping Up to Be Historic
No matter how you feel and who you’re voting for, the 2018 midterms are going to be crucial. Democrats have thus far been putting in a steep resistance, and many analysts believe they could take over the House. The Senate seems to be more firmly in Republican control, but they can’t afford to lose many seats. If Democrats can secure a few upsets, they may take the Senate as well.
