Obama calls on Democrats to move past disappointment, support pragmatic candidates, and focus on winning key races.

Obama Warns Against Party Disunity and Quick Fixes

Former President Barack Obama has issued a candid challenge to Democratic Party donors and activists, urging them to “toughen up” and reject disappointment after losing ground in the 2024 election cycle. Speaking at a high-profile fundraiser hosted by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and his wife, Obama implored Democrats to stop “navel-gazing” and act decisively to help candidates who can deliver wins.

“It’s going to require a little less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions,” Obama said, according to remarks obtained by CNN. “And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up.” He warned that now is not the time for withdrawal, but rather for active involvement. “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.”

Obama’s remarks resonated in a room that raised $2.5 million for Democratic campaigns. He emphasized that “looking for the messiah” or “the quick fix” is counterproductive and urged supporters to stand by strong candidates in races where victory is possible. “Support those candidates,” he urged, with a particular focus on upcoming gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia.

Calls for Pragmatism and Courage in Party Races

The former president described New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Virginia’s former Rep. Abigail Spanberger as “powerful spokespersons for a pragmatic, commonsense desire to help people,” highlighting their impressive records of public service. He called these races pivotal for the party’s future, urging donors and activists to “help the team, our candidate to win,” and emphasizing the need to build up Democratic National Committee resources for the battles ahead.

Obama also addressed ongoing ideological divisions within the party, referencing recent primary contests like Zohran Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo in New York City. He argued that promoting progressive agendas and centrist approaches are not mutually exclusive. “You want to deliver for people and make their lives better? You got to figure out how to do it,” he stated.

The former president criticized barriers that prevent solutions for ordinary Americans, such as restrictive zoning laws that make housing unaffordable, regardless of political ideology. “I don’t care how much you love working people. They can’t afford a house because all the rules in your state make it prohibitive to build. And zoning prevents multifamily structures because of NIMBY,” he said, referencing “not in my backyard” sentiments.

In closing, Obama called on party leaders to stand up for what is right, even if it means discomfort or challenging established norms. “Make some effort to stand up for what you believe is right, even if it makes you a little bit uncomfortable,” he said. As Democrats look to regain power, Obama’s message centered on unity, practical solutions, and the determination to win in key races across the country.