Key Moments From Obama's Georgia Rally As He Steps In To Help Biden

Former President Barack Obama hit the campaign trail for Democratic candidates in Georgia on Friday as part of the party's final push ahead of crucial midterm elections.

Obama spoke at a rally in the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia in support of Senator Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams where he urged people to vote on November 8.

The former president's campaign appearances are a late stage intervention in an election cycle where President Joe Biden's party appears poised to lose control of the House of Representatives and potentially the Senate as well.

Newsweek has rounded up some of the key moments from Obama's Georgia rally.

Walker Is a 'Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Politician'

Former President Obama took aim at Republican U.S. Senate candidate and former football star Herschel Walker, who is in a very close race against Senator Warnock and could cost Democrats a crucial Senate seat.

"There is very little evidence that he has taken any interest, bothered to learn anything about or displayed any kind of inclination towards public service or volunteer work or helping people in anyway," Obama said of Walker.

"At least we don't really know about it, and that does make you suspect," he went on. "Seems to me he's a celebrity who wants to be a politician and we've seen how that goes."

'Give TikTok a Rest and Vote'

Obama repeatedly urged people to get out and vote in the upcoming midterm elections and every vote is likely to count in the Georgia Senate race, which is currently considered a dead heat. Several other Democrats are facing tough races, including incumbents.

Obama said that people should not be discouraged but should instead cast their ballots.

"I need you to get off your couch and vote. Put down your phone and give TikTok a rest and vote," the former president told the crowd.

Obama also said: "Democracy is not self-executing. It depends on us working, nurturing, caring for it not just on Election Day, but every day in between. It depends on us as citizens saying 'This matters!' This election matters, Georgia."

Republicans Are 'Obsessed' With Trump

Obama offered subtle criticism of former President Donald Trump when he criticized Herschel Walker for being a "celebrity" but he also targeted Republicans for their continued loyalty to the former president.

"Just about every Republican politician seems obsessed with two things – owning the libs and getting Donald Trump's approval," Obama said.

"That's their agenda, it is not long, it is not complicated and, at least to me, it is not very inspiring. They aren't interested in actually solving problems. They are interested in making you angry and finding someone to blame. Because that way you may not notice that they have got no answers of their own," the former president said.

'Democrats Aren't Perfect'

Obama also appeared to acknowledge voters' issues with his own party but offered a contrast with Republicans.

"Democrats aren't perfect, I'm the first one to admit it," he said.

"Politicians just like all of us can make mistakes. But right now, with a few notable exceptions most of the GOP – and a whole bunch of these candidates – are not even pretending that the rules apply to them anymore," Obama went on.

Where Will Obama Campaign Next?

Former President Obama make further appearances in the closing days of the midterms campaign. He'll be in Michigan and Wisconsin on Saturday - two states that were essential to President Biden's 2020 election victory.

Obama will then travel to Pennsylvania for the final weekend of campaigning ahead of the elections on November 8. The Senate race in Pennsylvania between Democratic Lt. Governor John Fetterman and Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz could be key in determining control of the chamber.