Obama cites $2 trillion war bill in Ohio midterm push

The United States spent two trillion dollars on the war with Iran, a figure former President Barack Obama cited on Saturday to Ohio Democrats.

Speaking at a midterm campaign rally, Obama argued that the conflict was unnecessary and that the current administration made poor foreign policy choices. He told the crowd that after two years of chaos and corruption, voters have a chance to say enough is enough.

Obama also addressed a controversial advertisement in the Ohio gubernatorial race. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy aired a spot featuring Donna Arthur, the mother of Democratic candidate Amy Acton. In the ad, Arthur disputes Acton’s account of childhood homelessness and sexual abuse by her stepfather. She urges Ohioans not to vote for her daughter.

Acton stated that she has not seen her mother since 1978. Her brother supports her account of the abuse. The stepfather, who died in 2004, was charged with rape. Obama said Acton has spoken movingly about her painful childhood, including abuse, neglect, and homelessness.

The former president shared the stage with Acton and former Senator Sherrod Brown. Brown is seeking to return to the Senate seat currently held by Republican incumbent Jon Husted. Recent polls show Democrats holding a slight lead in both races, though results are expected to be close.