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Obama rallies for Acton in Ohio, criticizes Ramaswamy over ad with her mother

Barack Obama campaigned in Ohio for Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown and attacked Vivek Ramaswamy's ad in which Acton's estranged mother calls her a liar.

Posted Updated (9 d ago)

Former President Barack Obama rallied in Ohio on Saturday for Democratic candidates Amy Acton, running for governor, and former Sen. Sherrod Brown. He addressed an ad from Acton's Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, that features Acton's estranged mother, The Hill, CNBC and CBS News report.

CNBC and CBS say Ramaswamy has doubled down on the ad. CNBC reports Obama also criticized what he called cruelty and indecency from President Trump and his allies. The Hill describes his assessment of the Trump administration as harsh.

In the ad, Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, calls her daughter a liar. Acton has described an abusive childhood, NPR reports. In a Tuesday statement, her brother, Philip Stearns, said Acton is estranged from their mother. He said Arthur married a man who sexually abused Acton when she was 12, and stayed with him after he was arrested and the children were removed, according to The Guardian. The BBC says the husband was charged with sexual abuse. Acton called the ad "despicable," the BBC reports.

Ramaswamy defended the ad at a campaign stop. PBS NewsHour and NBC News report he said it had nothing to do with childhood abuse.

Trump has also defended it. ABC News quotes him: "It's a mother speaking badly against Amy Acton." The Guardian reports Vice President JD Vance criticized Republicans who spoke out against the ad. CBS, CNBC and Fox News describe the backlash as bipartisan. The New York Times says it divided Republicans.

Fox News quotes a GOP strategist who argues Acton's COVID-19 record matters more in the race than the ad.

Reported by

  1. The HillActon's estranged mother calls her a 'liar'; Democrat calls Ramaswamy 'despicable'Tue, Oct 20, 9:19 AM EDT
  2. The GuardianOhio Democrat’s family criticizes Vivek Ramaswamy for bringing up estranged mother in gubernatorial adTue, Oct 20, 2:38 PM EDT
  3. The New York TimesAttack Ad Featuring Candidate’s Mother Turns Ohio Governor’s Race Even UglierTue, Oct 20, 4:21 PM EDT
  4. NBC NewsOhio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton condemns ad featuring her estranged motherTue, Oct 20, 4:43 PM EDT
  5. The HillActon responds to ad, says personal attacks 'a lifelong pattern' for RamaswamyTue, Oct 20, 4:58 PM EDT
  6. The HillActon’s brother slams Ramaswamy in new ad: 'Not fit to lead'Tue, Oct 20, 5:20 PM EDT
  7. The HillOhio governor’s race takes ugly turn with viral video featuring Acton’s motherTue, Oct 20, 6:05 PM EDT
  8. CBS NewsNew attack ad targeting Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton features her estranged motherTue, Oct 20, 6:38 PM EDT
  9. CBS NewsOhio race takes ugly turn with ad featuring Amy Acton's motherTue, Oct 20, 6:39 PM EDT
  10. ABC NewsAmy Acton campaign slams Ramaswamy over controversial ad featuring estranged motherTue, Oct 20, 6:42 PM EDT
  11. The HillBrown calls on Husted to condemn ad featuring Acton's motherTue, Oct 20, 7:40 PM EDT
  12. The HillRamaswamy takes responsibility for attack ad featuring Acton’s estranged motherTue, Oct 20, 10:05 PM EDT
  13. CBS NewsRamaswamy's attack ad is "absolutely despicable," Rep. Dingell saysWed, Oct 21, 9:42 AM EDT
  14. The HillPritzker's wife donates $500K to Acton after Ramaswamy adWed, Oct 21, 12:08 PM EDT
  15. The HillAmy Acton's estranged mother drags her in crazy attack adWed, Oct 21, 12:34 PM EDT
  16. The HillVance 'disgusted' about Republicans decrying Ramaswamy ad with Acton's motherWed, Oct 21, 12:54 PM EDT
  17. BBC NewsOhio governor's race turns ugly as attack ad features candidate's estranged motherWed, Oct 21, 1:48 PM EDT
  18. NBC NewsVance says Republicans should ‘stop whining’ about Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack ad if they want to winWed, Oct 21, 1:51 PM EDT
  19. CBS NewsVance says he's disgusted with GOP "whining" over anti-Acton ad with her estranged motherWed, Oct 21, 2:37 PM EDT
  20. PBS NewsHourRamaswamy campaign says it produced ad with Amy Acton's mother and will spend millions to promote itWed, Oct 21, 2:51 PM EDT
  21. The Guardian'Stop whining': Vance reacts to outrage over Ramaswamy campaign ad – videoWed, Oct 21, 3:34 PM EDT
  22. The HillOhio GOP senator: 'I would not have run' Ramaswamy adWed, Oct 21, 4:40 PM EDT
  23. ABC NewsVance praises Ramaswamy for having 'audacity' to run controversial Acton adWed, Oct 21, 6:05 PM EDT
  24. The New York TimesVance Defends Ramaswamy Ad Featuring Acton’s Mother Despite BacklashWed, Oct 21, 6:20 PM EDT
  25. NPRVivek Ramaswamy's attack ad features mother of Amy Acton, who alleges childhood abuseWed, Oct 21, 6:39 PM EDT
  26. PBS NewsHourDemocratic and GOP strategists on the deeply personal attack ad in OhioWed, Oct 21, 6:40 PM EDT
  27. CBS NewsPolitical strategists on Ramaswamy attack ad against Amy Acton that features her estranged motherWed, Oct 21, 6:47 PM EDT
  28. CBS NewsVivek Ramaswamy under fire for attack ad featuring Amy Acton's motherWed, Oct 21, 7:16 PM EDT
  29. CBS NewsAttack ad in Ohio governor's race sparks debate on how low is too lowWed, Oct 21, 8:30 PM EDT
  30. NPRBacklash from attack ad upends Ohio gubernatorial raceThu, Oct 22, 4:57 AM EDT
  31. The HillActon responds to Ramaswamy's ad: 'It's despicable'Thu, Oct 22, 8:26 AM EDT
  32. The HillSabato's Crystal Ball moves Ohio governor race toward Acton after Ramaswamy attack adThu, Oct 22, 11:11 AM EDT
  33. The HillDeWine calls on Ramaswamy to take down ad featuring Acton's motherThu, Oct 22, 11:47 AM EDT
  34. BBC News'This is despicable': Amy Acton responds to Ohio attack ad featuring her estranged motherThu, Oct 22, 12:40 PM EDT
  35. NBC NewsOhio Gov. Mike DeWine calls on Vivek Ramaswamy to take down ad featuring opponent’s estranged motherThu, Oct 22, 12:49 PM EDT
  36. CBS NewsGOP officials divided over Ramaswamy ad with Acton's momThu, Oct 22, 1:56 PM EDT
  37. CNBCTrump defends Ramaswamy ad with Acton's estranged mom after bipartisan criticismThu, Oct 22, 2:54 PM EDT
  38. The HillTrump doubles down on anti-Acton ad in Ohio: 'Vivek should keep it up'Thu, Oct 22, 3:24 PM EDT
  39. The HillActon fundraising surges following controversial adThu, Oct 22, 4:02 PM EDT
  40. CBS NewsTrump praises "powerful" Ramaswamy ad featuring Acton's motherThu, Oct 22, 5:25 PM EDT
  41. CBS NewsTrump reacts to controversial attack ad targeting Amy Acton and Musk's satellite slowdown in UkraineThu, Oct 22, 5:25 PM EDT
  42. PBS NewsHourWATCH: Trump defends Ramaswamy's attack ad against Acton amid bipartisan criticismThu, Oct 22, 5:31 PM EDT
  43. CBS NewsOhio Republican Gov. DeWine urges Ramaswamy to take down Acton attack adThu, Oct 22, 5:39 PM EDT
  44. The HillRamaswamy controversy pits Trump, Vance against Ohio GOP establishmentThu, Oct 22, 6:04 PM EDT
  45. CBS NewsTrump defends Ramaswamy despite bipartisan outrage over attack ad against Amy ActonThu, Oct 22, 6:59 PM EDT
  46. CBS NewsPolitical strategists on how Ramaswamy attack ad could affect Ohio governor's raceThu, Oct 22, 7:24 PM EDT
  47. ABC NewsIowa GOP candidate's criticism of Ramaswamy ad puts her at odds with TrumpThu, Oct 22, 7:42 PM EDT
  48. CBS NewsTrump fiercely defends Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad against Amy ActonThu, Oct 22, 7:51 PM EDT
  49. The HillTrump on controversial Acton ad: ‘Why would you shield somebody from that?’Thu, Oct 22, 9:59 PM EDT
  50. Al JazeeraTrump backs Ramaswamy ad featuring rival Amy Acton’s estranged motherThu, Oct 22, 10:22 PM EDT
  51. The HillRamaswamy's last-ditch attack shows signs of backfiringFri, Oct 23, 7:05 AM EDT
  52. CBS NewsTrump doubles down on Vivek Ramaswamy ad, says he told him to "leave it up" and thank GodFri, Oct 23, 9:01 AM EDT
  53. CBS NewsVivek Ramaswamy campaign explains reason for Amy Acton ad as Trump defends its useFri, Oct 23, 9:38 AM EDT
  54. CBS NewsTrump defends Ramaswamy ad despite bipartisan backlashFri, Oct 23, 9:49 AM EDT
  55. The HillTrump spars with NBC reporter over Ramaswamy attack adFri, Oct 23, 12:27 PM EDT
  56. CBS NewsTrump doubles down on support for Ramaswamy adFri, Oct 23, 1:10 PM EDT
  57. PBS NewsHourVivek Ramaswamy defends ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged motherFri, Oct 23, 2:07 PM EDT
  58. Fox News‘Can’t trust Amy Acton’: Viral ad distracts from what’s really at stake in critical race, GOP strategist saysFri, Oct 23, 2:30 PM EDT
  59. NBC NewsTrump doubles down on defending Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack ad against Amy ActonFri, Oct 23, 2:31 PM EDT
  60. ABC NewsTrump doubles down on Amy Acton criticism as Ramaswamy ad controversy swirlsFri, Oct 23, 5:08 PM EDT
  61. CBS NewsTrump continues to back Ramaswamy's attack ad, campaigns in Florida with midterms 11 days awayFri, Oct 23, 6:54 PM EDT
  62. NBC NewsRamaswamy says ad featuring Acton’s mother had nothing to do with allegations of sexual abuseFri, Oct 23, 7:50 PM EDT
  63. Al JazeeraHas Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack ad against Amy Acton backfired?Sat, Oct 24, 2:21 AM EDT
  64. The New York TimesHow Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ruthless Ad in Ohio Divided RepublicansSat, Oct 24, 5:03 AM EDT
  65. The HillJennings: Ramaswamy's campaign tactics 'worst politics you could imagine'Sat, Oct 24, 8:57 AM EDT
  66. CBS NewsTrump, Vance defend controversial Ramaswamy attack ad; Obama campaigns with Amy ActonSat, Oct 24, 10:13 AM EDT
  67. CBS NewsTrump, Vance defend controversial Ramaswamy attack ad; Obama campaigns with Amy ActonSat, Oct 24, 2:29 PM EDT
  68. The HillObama scathes Trump administration in quippy Ohio campaign rally speechSat, Oct 24, 5:13 PM EDT
  69. CNBCObama, in Ohio, assails 'cruelty' and indecency from Trump and his allies in the midterm campaignSat, Oct 24, 5:51 PM EDT
  70. CBS NewsIn Ohio rally, Obama blasts Ramaswamy, GOP over controversial Acton adSat, Oct 24, 8:34 PM EDT
  71. ABC NewsAmy Acton says Trump, Vance should 'look at the facts' after Ramaswamy attack adSat, Oct 24, 10:03 PM EDT

This story was written by AI using only the reports listed above, and published without a person reviewing it first. It is rewritten as new reports arrive. Read the original reporting for full detail. Spot an error? Tell us.

Earlier versions (23)
  1. Sat, Oct 24, 2:40 PM EDT, 12 outlets: Ramaswamy campaign spends $4 million to air Acton ad as Trump, Vance defend it
  2. Sat, Oct 24, 5:55 AM EDT, 12 outlets: Ramaswamy and Trump defend ad using Acton's estranged mother despite criticism
  3. Fri, Oct 23, 7:45 PM EDT, 12 outlets: Trump again backs Ramaswamy ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother
  4. Fri, Oct 23, 2:35 PM EDT, 12 outlets: Ramaswamy defends ad with Acton's mother as Trump backs it
  5. Fri, Oct 23, 1:20 PM EDT, 11 outlets: Trump argues with NBC reporter while defending Ramaswamy ad on Acton's mother
  6. Fri, Oct 23, 9:50 AM EDT, 11 outlets: Trump says he told Ramaswamy to "leave it up" on ad featuring Acton's mother
  7. Thu, Oct 22, 10:25 PM EDT, 10 outlets: Trump again defends Ramaswamy ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother
  8. Thu, Oct 22, 7:35 PM EDT, 10 outlets: Trump backs Ramaswamy ad with Acton's mother as Ohio Republicans object
  9. Thu, Oct 22, 5:30 PM EDT, 10 outlets: Trump urges Ramaswamy to keep running ad featuring Acton's mother
  10. Thu, Oct 22, 2:55 PM EDT, 10 outlets: Trump defends Ramaswamy ad featuring Acton's estranged mother
  11. Thu, Oct 22, 2:00 PM EDT, 9 outlets: Republicans split over Ramaswamy ad featuring Acton's estranged mother
  12. Thu, Oct 22, 12:00 PM EDT, 9 outlets: DeWine urges Ramaswamy to pull ad featuring Acton's estranged mother
  13. Thu, Oct 22, 5:00 AM EDT, 9 outlets: Backlash over Ramaswamy ad using Acton's mother upends Ohio governor's race
  14. Wed, Oct 21, 7:30 PM EDT, 9 outlets: Vance defends Ramaswamy ad featuring Acton's mother as criticism spreads
  15. Wed, Oct 21, 6:10 PM EDT, 8 outlets: Vance defends Ramaswamy ad featuring Acton's mother; Ohio Sen. Husted says he wouldn't have run it
  16. Wed, Oct 21, 3:00 PM EDT, 8 outlets: Ramaswamy campaign to spend millions promoting ad featuring Acton's mother
  17. Wed, Oct 21, 1:01 PM EDT, 6 outlets: Vance defends Ramaswamy ad as Acton gets $500K donation over it
  18. Wed, Oct 21, 10:00 AM EDT, 6 outlets: Ramaswamy confirms his campaign made ad featuring Acton's estranged mother
  19. Tue, Oct 20, 7:00 PM EDT, 6 outlets: Acton campaign accuses Ramaswamy of using her estranged mother in ad
  20. Tue, Oct 20, 6:45 PM EDT, 5 outlets: Who made the Acton mother video is unclear; her brother blames Ramaswamy
  21. Tue, Oct 20, 5:55 PM EDT, 4 outlets: Acton's brother stars in new ad against Ramaswamy over mother video
  22. Tue, Oct 20, 4:55 PM EDT, 3 outlets: Amy Acton condemns ad featuring her estranged mother
  23. Tue, Oct 20, 2:45 PM EDT, 2 outlets: Amy Acton's family criticizes Ramaswamy ad featuring her estranged mother