Video: Watson/Lucas Zollinger
November 3, 2025, 2:16 p.mNovember 3, 2025, 2:26 p.m
On Tuesday, November 4th, the US states of New Jersey and Virginia will elect their new governor. For political scientists, the outcome of these elections is used to draw conclusions about the political mood in the country.
In New Jersey, Democrats have nominated Mikie Sherrill for governor. It is likely to come down to a neck-and-neck race against Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli. Perhaps that’s why the Democrats pulled another ace up their sleeves at the weekend: Former President Barack Obama appeared at a rally in Newark, the state’s largest city. There he settled accounts with the current US government under Donald Trump. Here are a few excerpts from his speech:
Video: Watson/Lucas Zollinger
Obama pointed out many of the grievances that have occupied the media in the USA in recent weeks and months. These include, for example, that under the current president experienced prosecutors have been replaced by Trump loyalists and that the Justice Department is being abused to prosecute the Republicans’ political opponents. Dealings with the military, the National Guard and the customs and immigration authorities “ICE” were also discussed.
“It’s like every day is Halloween, but it’s just the pranks, without the candy.”
Barack Obama on the current political situation in the USA.
Robert F. Kennedy, the US Secretary of Health, also lost his fat. So he rejects science and instead spreads quackery.
Whenever the energized crowd began to boo over Obama’s accusations, the 64-year-old would tell them to stop. “Don’t boo! They don’t hear that. Go vote! They will hear your voices in the elections,” said the ex-president.
When Obama brought up Trump’s use of absurd AI videos on social media, the crowd still booed. According to the ex-president, it wasn’t appropriate here either: “He just wants to distract you so that you don’t notice that your life still hasn’t gotten any better.” (lzo)
More videos from the USA:
Chellie Pingree comments on the impending end of SNAP: “One of the cruelest things I’ve ever seen”
Video: watson/Lucas Zollinger
Trump appears visibly lost during his visit to Japan
Video: watson/Lucas Zollinger
“He will be president in 2028” – political advisor Steve Bannon predicts a third term for Trump
Video: youtube/the economist