Washington: Former U.S. President Barack Obama, speaking at a “Democracy Forum” hosted by the Obama Foundation on Thursday, emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to pluralism to protect democratic values. His remarks come at a challenging time for the Democratic Party following Vice President Kamala Harris’ election loss and the party’s defeat in both chambers of Congress.
Obama, addressing thousands of attendees in-person and online, stressed the importance of engaging with opposing viewpoints. “The alternative is what we’ve seen here in the United States and in many democracies around the globe—not just more gridlock, not just public cynicism, but an increased willingness on the part of politicians and their followers to violate democratic norms, to do anything they can to get their way,” he said.
He underlined that building enduring majorities required framing issues inclusively. “Our causes, what we believe in, should focus on ‘we’, not just ‘us and them’. But that doesn’t mean rolling over when opponents abuse power,” he added. “That’s a problem. And when that happens, we fight for what we believe in.”
Calls for Generational Change
Obama, 63, remains a towering figure in Democratic politics, but recent losses have ignited calls for younger leadership within the party. David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Obama, acknowledged this sentiment, saying, “Time marches on… we need a whole array of leaders, and there are young leaders in the Democratic Party who are dynamic and very much in touch with the times.”
Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts echoed this perspective, advocating for “new voices that can better represent the fears and struggles that Americans face today.”
The 2024 election cycle exposed cracks in the Democratic coalition, with diminishing support among working-class and Latino voters. This has fueled internal debates and criticisms of campaign strategies, particularly those employed by advisers who previously worked closely with Obama.
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A Legacy of Influence
Despite these challenges, the Obamas remain influential figures in the party. Barack and Michelle Obama campaigned extensively and provided critical fundraising support. Democratic congressional candidates like Senator-elect Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin benefited from Obama’s endorsements and secured victories.
However, Obama’s campaign trail comments occasionally sparked controversy. For instance, remarks in Pennsylvania about Black men’s reluctance to vote for a female candidate faced backlash from some activists.
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Reflecting on Obama’s impact, Michael Feldman, a former adviser to Al Gore, remarked, “Will he and Michelle still be the two most popular figures within the party for the foreseeable future? The answer is absolutely.”
As the Democratic Party grapples with its future, Obama’s call for pluralism and unity remains a guiding principle, even as the party looks to nurture new leadership.
