Democrats need to intensify their stance against Trump, according to Obama's advice to contributors
Former President Barack Obama delivered a stern message to the Democratic party during a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee, urging them to stop being cowed into silence and to actively stand up for what they believe is right.
Obama criticised Democrats for indulging in "navel-gazing," "whining," and staying in "fetal positions" regarding President Donald Trump and his policies. He emphasised the need for Democrats to "toughen up," stop being disappointed to the point of inaction, and to defend principles such as free speech, even when it's difficult, rather than remaining silent out of fear or disappointment.
The former President waded into a dispute between the party's left and some moderates, emphasising the need for Democrats to produce tangible results for voters if they hoped to win elections and regain power. He warned that the country is in danger of backsliding on the steady social progress it has made since World War II, and that Democrats need to figure out how to deliver for people and make their lives better if they want to win elections and regain power.
Obama's comments were interpreted as a critique of the party's elites for going quiet when they were needed to step up. However, during the fundraiser, Obama's own aides worked to diminish the Democratic National Committee, contradicting his call for donations.
The former President did not mention any specific law firms that have made deals with Trump's White House, but he expressed disdain for those that he said had been willing to set aside the law in response to Trump's actions. He also did not make any specific statements opposing Trump administration actions at the fundraiser.
Despite his criticism of the Democratic party, Obama praised the Democratic nominees for governor of New Jersey, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and Virginia, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger. His comments at the fundraiser were a continuation of his criticism of Democrats for being silent against President Trump and his policies, which he has yet to address publicly through public statements or appearances at rallies, town halls, or other public events staged by opponents of Trump.
Since leaving office, Obama has been producing movies, documentaries, and podcasts, and building a beachfront compound in Hawaii, and playing golf on Martha's Vineyard. It remains to be seen whether Obama's call for courage will inspire Democrats to take bolder stances and to work towards tangible results for voters.
- Obama's remarks at the fundraiser underscored the importance of Democrats addressing policy-and-legislation matters, urging them to toughen up and actively participate in politics, rather than being silent out of fear or disappointment.
- The former President's criticism extended beyond the Democratic party's elites, as he also condemned law firms that he felt had set aside the law in response to Trump's actions, calling for a return to principles such as free speech in politics.
