With just four days to go left before the midterm election, there has been record voting across the state of Florida.
On Friday, Democrats brought in the biggest name they’ve got -- former President Barack Obama -- to energize voters in South Florida, stumping for Bill Nelson and Andrew Gillum in Miami.
Both parties, clearly concerned about just how close these races are, have been bringing in the big political guns. President Trump was in the Fort Myers area Wednesday night and will be in Pensacola on Saturday.
But Friday, in Miami, it was Barack Obama: the first African-American president stumping for Andrew Gillum, who hopes to become Florida’s first African-American governor.
An overflow crowd pushed inside Ice Palace Film Studios building on the north side of downtown Miami.
African Americans in this part of Florida turned out in huge numbers for Obama when he ran for president. And Democrats hoped his message would inspire that same enthusiasm at the polls again.
The former president called it the most important midterm election of our generation.
“Politicians always say that,” said Obama, “But this time it’s actually true.”
Three times, protesters tried to interrupt the former president. And three times the crowd shouted them out of the building by chanting “Bring it home” -- a phrase Andrew Gillum has made the cornerstone of his gubernatorial campaign.
Obama touted accomplishments under his administration citing healthcare, the environment, and an economic recovery he said the Trump administration tries to take credit for.
He then lashed out at the current White House for its immigration policy.
“They are even taking our troops away from their families for a political stunt at the border,” he said. “And the women and men of our military deserve better than that.”
But the reason for the rally was to get out the vote.
Obama formally endorsed Nelson for U.S. Senate and Gillum for governor.
“And he’s doing it because he knows it’s so important,” said Nelson.
“We have got to go to vote like our lives depend on it. We have got to do it,” said Gillum, “Because the truth is our lives depend on who the next governor is of the great state of Florida.”
The former President ended his speech telling the crowd the truth matters. It’s not enough, he said, to merely hope for change.
“It’s up to you. Let’s make history happen right here in Florida,” said the former present. “Let’s get to work. Let’s go vote.”
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