Former President Barack Obama is urging Democrats to toughen up and move past self-pity.
During a private fundraiser in New Jersey on Friday, Obama encouraged party leaders to stop the handwringing and instead take decisive action to “stand up for the things that you think are right.”
“I think it’s going to take a little less self-reflection, a little less complaining, and fewer retreating into fetal positions,” the 44th president said about the challenges ahead for Democrats, according to excerpts of his speech obtained by CNN. “It’s time for Democrats to toughen up.”
— Ron Sachs / CNP for New York Post
Since President Trump’s return to the White House in January, Democrats have appeared demoralized and uncertain about their direction. Trump has openly mocked them as being “in total disarray” and criticized their lack of a clear leader.
In contrast, Republicans have remained firmly aligned behind Trump since his rise in the 2016 election cycle. While former President Obama has kept a relatively low profile since leaving office in 2017, he downplayed concerns over Democratic leadership, suggesting the party simply needs to regain its confidence.
“Stop searching for shortcuts. Stop waiting for a savior. You have strong candidates in the field—support them,” Obama urged, according to excerpts of his comments.
The former president emphasized that the upcoming off-year elections in New Jersey and Virginia—often viewed as indicators for the midterms—will serve as “a big jumpstart for where we need to go.”
“Ensure the Democratic National Committee has the resources it needs to compete in a cycle that will rely heavily on data, social media, and will demand investment in money, expertise, and time,” Obama said.
His comments were made at a fundraiser hosted by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and his wife at their home. The event raised approximately $2.5 million, according to CNN, with a portion of the proceeds going toward Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s campaign for governor in New Jersey.
The former president praised Sherrill and Virginia gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger as “strong voices for a pragmatic, common-sense approach to helping people,” highlighting their impressive records of public service.
Speaking at the fundraiser—which included prominent figures like DNC Chair Ken Martin—Obama also emphasized the importance of replenishing party resources. “We’ve got to start building up our coffers,” he said, noting that the Democratic Party has had to secure a line of credit due to financial shortfalls.
In recent months, Democrats have clashed over strategy in confronting Republicans. The DNC, for instance, faced internal strife over former Vice Chair David Hogg’s controversial push to influence primary races by supporting more combative candidates. Hogg has since stepped down from his position.
“You can’t say you’re a Democrat but then sit back disappointed and do nothing. Now is exactly the time to get involved,” Obama urged.
“Don’t claim to value free speech and then stay silent. You defend free speech especially when it’s difficult—when someone says something you disagree with, but you still acknowledge their right to speak. What’s needed now is courage.”
Obama also briefly addressed internal party divisions, including the clash between the far-left wing and moderates who advocate for an “abundance agenda,” which focuses on reducing government regulation to increase supply.
“There’s been some tension between the party’s left wing and those pushing the so-called abundance agenda,” Obama acknowledged. “But those goals aren’t mutually exclusive. If you want to improve people’s lives, you need to find a way to make it happen.”
“I don’t care about your ideology because it won’t build anything. That’s what really matters,” he emphasized.
Obama also said he wasn’t “surprised by what Trump has done” or by the fact that “there are no longer any guardrails within the Republican Party.” He called on key institutions, like law firms, to stand up and push back.
