“Obama was kind of a groundbreaking figure that we grew up with when we were younger,” he said, later adding: “I think he’s just this monumental authority that a lot of people admired as a kid, and he brings a lot to it Viability.” some of the newer candidates in the field, like Kamala Harris.”

Alex Grant, 24, who is also studying in Pittsburgh, called Obama a “president of change.”

“I think it is well perceived in our generation. I think he is perceived as an idol,” he said. “I have to be honest. For me, Obama has been president my whole life. That’s the only person I really knew as president until Donald Trump came along. And I see him as what a president should be. And he has the standards for who should hold that office, I think.”

Political science student Lila Lancaster, 18, said she understands how important it is for Obama to mobilize his coalition and inspire new voters.

“I mean, (Pennsylvania is) a swing state. Therefore, it is of course important to win as many votes as possible for the Democrats. I think it’s really important to hold on to your supporters from many years ago and then rekindle that passion for everyone,” she said.

19-year-old John Carlos called Obama’s decision to campaign in Pittsburgh “super-strategic” to “mobilize the people who really, really matter in the election.”

Nearly all key young voters in the battleground said their top issue this cycle is abortion rights.