Former President Barack Obama headlined a fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Wednesday night to discuss the stakes of the upcoming midterm election. The event featured a conversation between Obama and Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, vice chair of the DSCC, about Democrats’ efforts to flip the Senate. Blunt Rochester told CBS News that Obama is a voice for realism and practical optimism who lays the foundation for the significance of the election. Senate Democrats have grown increasingly optimistic about their prospects this fall after several races shifted toward the party in recent weeks, including in deep-red states like Texas and Ohio that are considered toss-ups, according to CBS News’ battleground tracker. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that voters are ready for a clear division, putting the party on the edge of victory. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning Democrats need to pick up four seats to gain control of the upper chamber. Meanwhile, Republicans argue they still have a path to hold on to the Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters before a recess that if the party stays focused and talks about the future based on its record of accomplishment, they have a great argument. One key target for both parties is Michigan, where Democrats try to hold the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters while Republicans view it as a prime pickup opportunity. An exclusive CBS Detroit poll shows Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed with a narrow advantage over GOP challenger and former Rep. Mike Rogers. Obama is expected to campaign with El-Sayed and other Democratic candidates in the Wolverine State later this month. A source familiar with his thinking noted that his strategy is driven by where he can move the needle with Democrats and persuadable voters. The former president has also taped two dozen ads for Senate and gubernatorial candidates nationwide. Last month, he participated in a fundraiser with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where he pressed Democrats to address artificial intelligence safety and job displacement. Jeffries stated he remains in contact with Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris, expecting both to stay engaged through Election Day as House Democrats push to take back the majority.
Source: cbsnews.com
