Obama Slams Trump in Tucson: ‘When He’s Not Complaining, He’s Peddling Products’

During a recent rally at the University of Arizona, former President Barack Obama praised Vice President Kamala Harris, asserting she is “as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been.” Speaking to a crowd exceeding 7,000, Obama shared the stage with U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is campaigning for Arizona’s vacant Senate seat.

Obama strongly criticized former President Donald Trump, describing him as a disconnected “78-year-old billionaire” who lies and bullies. “This election is not solely about policy,” he emphasized. “It’s about values and the kind of example we want to set for future generations.”

The former president’s remarks resonated with anecdotes, suggesting that if someone witnessed their grandfather behaving as Trump does, they would be concerned. He recounted how Trump has undermined democratic values, contrasting this with the late U.S. Sen. John McCain’s legacy of bipartisan respect. “McCain knew some values transcend party lines,” Obama noted.

Obama referenced the bipartisan Border Act of 2024, which Trump has vehemently opposed. “We were built on immigrants looking for a better life,” Obama stated, affirming the need for an effective immigration system.

With the election looming just 17 days away, ballots are already reaching voters, and new early voting locations are set to open. Arizona remains a crucial battleground, with its 11 electoral votes still in play. The Harris-Walz campaign has deployed several political figures to this state, including Doug Emhoff and Tim Walz.

In a tightly contested race, Trump previously won Arizona in 2016 but lost to Biden by a narrow margin in 2020. Current polls show Trump leading by a slight 1.4 points, indicating a highly competitive election ahead.

Obama’s presence drew noteworthy local leaders, including Arizona Democratic Party Chair Yolanda Bejarano and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. The former president last spoke in Tucson following the tragic shooting that injured Giffords. This time, Giffords introduced Obama arm-in-arm with her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, inspiring the crowd with her survival story.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also took the stage, criticizing her former opponent Kari Lake as Trump’s “chief chaos agent.” Hobbs urged voters to engage in the electoral process, highlighting the significant impact Arizona could have on the overall outcome.

Local leaders reiterated the importance of voter mobilization. Alexandra Reynoso, a University of Arizona student excited about her first time voting, shared her support for Harris’s gun control policies in light of recent campus incidents. Many attendees, including first-time voters and those with deep political ties, expressed their enthusiasm for a candidate they believe represents their values and aspirations.