Obama cites $2 trillion price tag for Iran conflict in Ohio speech

Former President Barack Obama told supporters in Ohio on Saturday that the war with Iran cost the United States $2 trillion.

Speaking at a campaign rally to back Democratic candidates in the state, Obama argued that President Donald Trump made a series of poor choices during his second term. He described the conflict with Israel and Iran as an unnecessary war that nobody requested. Obama characterized the current administration by its chaos, cruelty, corruption, and incompetence. He urged voters to signal that enough is enough.

The former president also addressed a controversial advertisement in the Ohio gubernatorial race. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy released a spot featuring Donna Arthur, the mother of Democratic opponent 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 she has not seen her mother since 1978. Her brother supported her account of the abuse. Her stepfather, who died in 2004, was charged with rape. Obama sided with Acton, noting that she spoke movingly about her painful childhood, including abuse, neglect, and homelessness. He criticized Ramaswamy for crossing every line and sinking to new lows in his campaign conduct.

Obama shared the stage with Acton and former Senator Sherrod Brown. Brown is seeking a comeback bid against incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted. Polls show Democrats holding a slight lead in both races, though results are expected to be close.