Former President Barack Obama returns to the campaign trail on Thursday for the first time since he left the White House, venturing out to support Democrats in two governor's races that could offer a clue about the national mood before next year's midterm elections.
Obama, who has spoken at private party fundraisers but largely steered clear of electoral politics since leaving office in January, will make public appearances on behalf of Democratic candidates in Virginia and New Jersey- the only two states holding off-year elections for governor.
Those Nov. 7 contests will be closely watched to see if Democrats can turn the grass-roots resistance to Republican President Donald Trump into electoral wins after falling short earlier this year in four competitive special congressional elections.