Obama targets war costs in Ohio

Former President Barack Obama accused the current administration of starting an unnecessary war and mismanaging the economy during a rally in Ohio on Saturday. He spoke to supporters of the state's Democratic congressional and gubernatorial candidates as polls show a two point lead for Democrats in both races.

Obama pointed to the United States conflict with Iran as the central example of executive overreach. He described the decision as a bad choice that was not requested by the public. The former president argued that the conflict represents a major financial burden on the nation.

The campaign also addressed a controversial advertisement in the governor's race. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy ran a spot featuring Amy Acton's mother, Donna Arthur. The ad disputes Acton's account of childhood homelessness and sexual abuse by her stepfather. Acton has not seen her mother since 1978, and her brother supports her account of the abuse. The stepfather was charged with rape before his death in 2004.

Obama stated that the standards of behavior have dropped to a low level in the current political climate. He called Acton's personal story moving and painful. He stood on stage with Acton and former Senator Sherrod Brown, who is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted.

The former president urged voters to reject what he called two years of chaos and incompetence. He said the electorate has a chance to stop the current administration from continuing its policies. The Ohio races are expected to be close based on current polling numbers.