Former US President Barack Obama speaks during a rally before the midterm elections in Cleveland, Ohio, US, October 24, 2026. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
While rallying in Cleveland, Ohio, former President Barack Obama sparked an uproar of laughter Saturday after taking several digs at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, particularly over what he characterized as the defense secretary’s faux “manly, warrior” persona.
Obama highlighted the soaring prices Americans have endured over the past several months in large part due to President Donald Trump’s deeply unpopular war against Iran. “Meanwhile,” Obama argued, Hegseth appeared to have his attention drawn elsewhere.
“You've got the defense secretary who's squarely focused on important matters, like the jawlines and testosterone levels of our troops! And live-streaming executions! Because that's how he thinks: you cultivate that manly, warrior spirit!” Obama said, sparking laughter from the crowd.
“How much time do you think this defense secretary spends looking himself in the mirror in the morning? You know he's working his hair, 'cause that's how warriors look! These are not serious people. And the problem is, you end up having to pay the price for their lack of seriousness!”
Trump is poised to hold his own rally in Georgia later on Saturday, while Obama will campaign in Michigan later Saturday evening as the midterms draw near.
Democrats enter the final stretch as favorites to flip the House. The Cook Political Report’s Oct. 9 ratings projected Democrats would gain between nine and 19 seats, enough for a majority, with 21 districts rated toss-ups, according to Action Network.
The Senate is a steeper climb. Republicans hold 53 seats, meaning Democrats need a net gain of four to take control. Cook rated seven Senate races toss-ups — six of them in Republican-held seats.
Early voting is already underway in many states ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.
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