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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

Obama both rallies, scolds Democrats in campaign trip

By CHARLES BABINGTON and LIZ SIDOTI

Associated Press Writers

MADISON, Wis. – Buck up. Stop whining. And get to work.

Clearly frustrated by Republicans’ energy – and his own party’s lack of enthusiasm – President Barack Obama scolded fellow Democrats even as he rallied them Tuesday in an effort to save the party from big GOP gains in the crucial midterm elections. In the final month of campaigning, he’s trying to re-energize young voters, despondent liberals and other Democrats whose excitement over his election has dissipated.

“It is inexcusable for any Democrat or progressive right now to stand on the sidelines,” the president declared in a Rolling Stone magazine interview. He said that supposed supporters who are “sitting on their hands complaining” are irresponsible because the consequences of Republican congressional victories could be dashed Democratic plans.