Politics

US Midterms: Obama Endorses NC Senate Candidate Beasley

Published OCT 25 2022

Story

Image credit: AP {via The News & Observer]

The Facts

In a new campaign ad that began airing on Tuesday, former Pres. Barack Obama endorsed Democrat US Senate candidate Cheri Beasley in North Carolina, a state he won in a close vote in 2008.
The Associated Press
Beasley is in a tight race against Republican candidate Ted Budd to replace retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr.
Yahoo! News
Budd, endorsed by Donald Trump, has highlighted his ties to the former president on the campaign trail. Meanwhile, Beasley’s campaign is airing the Obama ad as part of a concerted effort to mobilize Black voters, which includes church visits and gatherings with members of historically Black fraternities and sororities.
The Associated Press
In the ad, Obama lauds Beasley — the former chief justice of the state Supreme Court — for her work ethic, her honesty, and how she “always puts people first.” He adds, “this is going to be a close race, and we can’t afford to get it wrong.”
The Associated Press
With Republicans forecast to make gains or take over control of the US House, Democrats are looking at the North Carolina Senate race as a vital seat to flip to maintain control of the evenly split chamber.
The Associated Press
As early in-person voting began in North Carolina last week, polls showed Budd with a slight lead on Beasley.
Yahoo! News

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The Spin

Democratic narrative

It’s essential to boost Beasley’s candidacy not just because her winning would help Democrats maintain control of the Senate but also because she would be the first Black senator ever elected in a state where 22% of the population is Black. With an impeccable resume and a record as a judge devoted to the rule of law, Beasley is proving to be the ideal candidate.

Intelligencer

Republican narrative

With an approaching red wave rebound, Republicans are looking more and more likely to win majorities in both chambers of Congress this fall. Democrats’ hyperfocus on abortion at a time when the economy and inflation dominate voters' concerns will cost candidates like Beasley, who might’ve had a shot with the right strategy.

Townhall