‘Tell The Truth’: Obama Rallies Wis. Dems To Get Out And Vote

MILWAUKEE, WI -- Former President Barack Obama returned to Wisconsin on Friday, campaigning for a full slate of Democratic candidates who will appear on the ballot in the Nov. 6 general election.

Obama electrified a crowd gathered that packed the Milwaukee North Division High School gymnasium to capacity Friday. Obama was at his witty and charismatic best, dishing out one-liners about his views of congressional Republicans, the state of health care and upon occasion, family life.

"The president said he'd pass a middle class tax cut before the next election. Congress isn't even in session," Obama quipped of President Donald Trump. "He said he'd protect pre-existing conditions. Well, his Justice Department is in court right now fighting against it. We have to stop falling for this stuff. We're like Charlie Brown with the football. Don't get 'okie doked.' Wisconsin, don't fall for this stuff. While you're distracted by this stuff, they're robbing you blind."

Obama's speech centered around getting out the vote, citing the 2016 election when Republicans took key races - including the presidency - with low voter turnout in the Milwaukee area.

"The consequences of anybody sitting out this election are profound. The future of healthcare is on the ballot, the future of the union movement is on the ballot, but most of all the character of our country is on the ballot," he said. "The truth is, making this country better has never been easy, it's always been a fight. For every two steps of progressive change forward, a lot of times we take one step back in conservative retrenchment."

Local Candidates Speak Out

Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin emphasized her healthcare credentials in her speech, which preceded the former president.

"I became the top target of special interests and super PACs in the U.S. I decided to wear this like a badge of courage. I don't work for them, I work for you."

Mandela Barnes is running for Lieutenant Governor alongside Gubernatorial candidate Tony Evers. Barnes, who drew the second-largest ovation in the room Friday, said that like-minded voters need to be motivated.

"We are frustrated with what's going on in the White House, Congress and in our Supreme Court. We need to vote like we're frustrated, he said. "We are in the state's poorest and most-incarcerated zip code. I grew up here. I am here to tell you that an Evers-Barnes administration will prioritize education over incarceration."

Tony Evers, the head of the State Department of Public Instruction and Democratic candidate for Governor, gave a short speech in which he emphasized his support for local teachers, whom over the last several years have been suffering under the conditions of Act 10. "A vote for me this November is a vote to restore respect to Wisconsin teachers," he said.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, state Attorney General Mandela Barnes and State Treasurer candidate Sarah Godlewski all shared time on the stage. First Congressional Candidate Randy Bryce shared a spot on the stage with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, who was honored with a rousing ovation after an opening one-liner:

"You all came to see the President today. Well, 50 years ago I went to Milwaukee North, and I was the President," she said.

Barack Obama At MKE North High School

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Patch