Former President Barack Obama delivered a candid message to the Democratic Party during a private event in New Jersey, emphasizing the need for resilience and proactive engagement in the political arena. The fundraiser, held on Friday and not open to the public, was hosted by Governor Phil Murphy and supported Rep. Mikie Sherrill's gubernatorial campaign.
Obama's remarks, later obtained by CNN, underscored his concern over the party's current trajectory as it prepares for pivotal elections. He directly addressed the sense of disillusionment among Democratic voters and leaders, stating, "You know, don't tell me you're a Democrat, but you're kind of disappointed right now, so you're not doing anything. No, now is exactly the time that you get in there and do something."
The former president criticized the internal culture of the Democratic Party, which he perceived as being marred by a lack of centralized leadership and a tendency towards introspection and complaint. "I think it's going to require a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions," Obama stated. "And it's going to require Democrats to just toughen up."
With the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races on the horizon, Obama highlighted these contests as vital opportunities for the party to demonstrate its political strength and refine its approach to voter outreach. Historically, these off-year elections have been predictors of national political trends, making them especially significant for Democrats looking to gauge the electorate's mood.
In New Jersey, the Democratic nominee is Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor who entered Congress in the 2018 midterm elections—a year that saw Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives in a wave often interpreted as a rebuttal to the early years of Donald Trump's presidency. The Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, has secured Trump's endorsement and has previously run for governor in both 2017 and 2021.
The Virginia elections are also making history, with both major parties nominating female candidates: Democrats with former Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Republicans with Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. The sitting governor, Republican Glenn Youngkin, is not seeking re-election due to term limits.
Obama's call to action went beyond electoral strategy; he also stressed the importance of upholding democratic principles like free speech. "Don't say that you care deeply about free speech and then you're quiet," he advised. "No, you stand up for free speech when it's hard."
His comments mark a departure from his usual public demeanor, offering a more direct and challenging tone aimed at stirring Democratic officials and voters into action. This comes at a time when Democrats are grappling with challenges to maintain voter enthusiasm and coherence ahead of future elections, amidst concerns over President Joe Biden's approval ratings and internal party dynamics.
