Obama to campaign for Dems in Virginia, New Jersey

Obama to stump for Democratic gubernatorial candidate in NJ

Actor, comedian and radio host Joe Piscopo weighs in on the Democrats’ chances to win offices in key states.

Former President Barack Obama announced Thursday that he would campaign in New Jersey and Virginia on behalf of the Democratic gubernatorial candidates ahead of next month’s election, which many have speculated could turn into a referendum on Donald Trump’s presidency.

Whether or not Obama’s decision to re-enter the political foray helps either candidate -- Democrat Phil Murphy who’s running against Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno in New Jersey, and Democrat Ralph Northam in his campaign against Republican Ed Gillespie in Virginia -- remains to be seen.

“In New Jersey, we don’t care,” comedian Joe Piscopo told FOX Business’ Neil Cavuto “We’re not impressed with anybody. It doesn’t make any difference that the president is coming to town, nobody cares. With due respect to President Obama, by the way. He is a rockstar.”

Early this week, Vice President Mike Pence spoke in Abingdon, Va. on behalf of Gillespie. Trump has tweeted his support for the gubernatorial candidate as well, writing on Twitter that Gillespie is “fighting to grow the economy & cut taxes! He’s fighting for a safer VA. And he’s fighting for affordable energy & COAL!”

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Both incumbent Republican Gov. Chris Christie in New Jersey and Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe in Virginia are term-limited and cannot run again.

Piscopo, a notable New Jersey celebrity and former “Saturday Night Live” host, toyed with the idea of running as a Republican to replace Christie, but ultimately chose not to do so.

“Honestly, I really, really wanted to go in. I want to go in as an independent too, just to really have fun. Because I know the issues,” he said on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast.” “I stepped down for Lt. Gov. Guadagno. She’s a great gal, and I think she’s a formidable candidate.”

Traditionally, post-presidential elections see the pendulum swing in favor of candidates who are not a part of the party currently in the White House. Some have also said that New Jersey and Virginia could be examples of what 2018 mid-term elections will look like.

Elections will take place on Nov. 7.