In brief
In the lead‑up to the 2026 U.S. midterms, former President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama are rallying the Republican and Democratic bases respectively. Both parties believe their former leaders’ star power can spike voter turnout. BBC journalist Sarah Smith visited rallies featuring each president, asking local supporters which of the icons feels more capable of driving voters to the polls. The ongoing debate reflects a broader strategy: mobilizing presidential charisma to secure electoral advantages in a critical midterm battle.
As the 2026 U.S. midterm election draws closer, two former presidents—Donald Trump and Barack Obama—lead the campaign trail for their parties. The Republican Party has turned to Trump, while the Democratic Party seeks to tap into Obama’s enduring appeal.
Both leaders are expected to draw crowds and energise volunteers, but only one may succeed in translating historic popularity into fresh votes. BBC journalist Sarah Smith has mixed it up, attending rallies where Trump and Obama both delivered speeches aimed at persuading undecided voters and long‑time supporters alike.
The question on every attendee’s mind was this: which of the two presidents still carries the star power to get people out of the house and to the polling station? Their answers hint at a wider debate over how much past presidential figures can still shape contemporary political outcomes.
In the end, the data show a divided field. Some observers report that Trump’s messages resonate strongly with conservative voters, while others note that Obama’s legacy continues to inspire younger voters. The midterm’s outcome may ultimately depend on how well each party leverages these icons to drive turnout.
