US Midterms: Obama Endorses NC Senate Candidate Beasley
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.
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.
- Beasley is in a tight race against Republican candidate Ted Budd to replace retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr.
- 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.
- 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.”
- 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.
- As early in-person voting began in North Carolina last week, polls showed Budd with a slight lead on Beasley.
Sources: Associated Press and Yahoo.
Narratives
- Democratic narrative, as provided by New York Magazine. 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.
- Republican narrative, as provided by Townhall. 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.
