Barack Obama to Rally for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Ahead of Key US Senate Race
As the US midterm elections draw closer, former president Barack Obama is heading into the campaign in Michigan. He will take the stage in Detroit and offer his support to progressive Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed at a rally.
Candidates are jockeying fiercely in the final days to win the hearts, minds and votes of the American people. Having one of the party's biggest stars alongside him is seen as a major boost for El-Sayed's effort.
The rally is being held outside Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. Hundreds of Michiganders had already gathered there well before the event was slated to begin, about an hour ahead of time.
The timing is politically significant, because the rally falls on the first day of Michigan's in-person early voting period. Alongside the campaigning, the voting process itself is now formally under way.
Election day is just 10 days away. Candidates are now focusing on large rallies to pull undecided voters to their side and to encourage supporters to actually turn out and vote.
Abdul El-Sayed is presenting himself as a progressive candidate. The presence of a national figure such as Obama will bring fresh attention to his campaign not only in Michigan but also in national media.
The Michigan Senate seat is regarded as important for the Democratic camp. That is why the party is sending its star campaigners to the state to add momentum in the final stretch.
Enthusiasm was visible among supporters around the rally. Many took up positions outside the school grounds early in order to hear Obama speak.
With early voting now open, voters can record their choice before election day itself. Campaign teams are therefore also focusing on encouraging supporters to vote as soon as possible.
More large rallies, advertising and door-to-door campaigning are expected in the final 10 days. Observers see Obama's visit as the opening of that final phase of the contest.
It remains to be seen how much star support translates at the ballot box. In the end, the verdict of Michigan voters will decide the fate of this seat.
