Barack Obama hits campaign trail in bellwether Virginia race as Democrats try to galvanize Black voters

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – As Democrats worry about a close contest in the Virginia governor's race, candidate Terry McAuliffe is turning to a popular former president, other political leaders and massive outreach programs to encourage turnout from a key constituency: Black voters.

On Saturday, former President Barack Obama headlined a rally at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. The visit of the country's first Black president could help energize Black voters, who helped deliver victory for McAuliffe in his early bid for governor in 2013.

"Don't be sitting on the couch!" Obama told cheering supporters, telling them that turnout in early voting and on Election Day itself is necessary for Democrats in Virginia and across the county.

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