President Barack Obama is laying the groundwork to participate in the all-important 2018 elections – but his advisors are mindful of the risks of carving out a role that is too prominent.

More Americans give him credit for the improved economy than do President Donald Trump.

But there is a risk that by intervening too heavily, he could nationalize races and give Republicans a weapon as Democrats try to retake the House and Senate.

'He's keenly aware that injecting himself into day-to-day politics can make it more difficult for other Democratic voices to rise to prominence,' Obama spokeswoman Katie Hill told Politico.

President Barack Obama is planning to campaign for Democratic candidates, but aides are mindful of the risk of backlash

'You can expect him to continue weighing in strategically and staying above the fray while helping cultivate the next generation of Democratic leadership.'

'He's going to be out there for candidates, he'll be out there helping us in meaningful ways, not just in fundraising,' Obama-backed Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez told the publication.

Not all of Obama's stumping efforts have been successful. Here he campaigns for Rep. Tom Periello during the Republican wave election in 2010

'The guy was a state senator in '04, and he was president of the United States four years later. He knows something about winning elections and building a brand.'

Obama made his first campaign appearance since leaving office in October, stumping for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam, who won the race to succeed Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Obama got back on the campaign trail to stump for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam

Former U.S. President Barack Obama (right) stands on stage with Democratic candidate Phil Murphy, who was elected to succeed Gov. Chris Christie in New Jersey

BELL TOLLS: Hillary Clinton, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, right, and U.S. President Barack Obama wave to the crowd during a campaign event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. Obama's support for Clinton failed to push her over the finish line in her race against Donald Trump

Obama has assets at his disposal, including an approval rating of above 60 per cent.

Trump's approval, by contrast, stood at 37 per cent in the latest CBS poll, with majority disapproval of 53 per cent.

Obama also has the ability to tap a campaign alumni network of 15,000 that people on his payroll have been organizing onto lists.

Democrats are salivating at the chance to retake the House and cain a lever to oppose President Trump, who has been working to dismantle Obama's legacy through executive orders, policy changes, and legislation.