File photo | video screenshot

 

Barack Obama once believed American democracy could weather Donald Trump. After Trump’s return to the White House, the 44th president isn’t so sure.

 

Eight years after his removal from office, Obama remains one of the Democratic Party’s most influential figures, able to draw crowds and strategise directly with governors like Gavin Newsom. But those close to him describe a man increasingly alarmed that the political system he once led is now in danger.

 

During Joe Biden’s presidency, Obama intentionally stepped back, hoping new Democratic leaders would emerge. Yet Trump’s aggressive efforts to consolidate power — including moves to weaken institutions and target opponents — have convinced him that a more direct response is necessary.

 

Former attorney general Eric Holder, one of Obama’s closest friends, said the former president now sees the stakes differently. “The harm is so profound that this calls for a different approach,” Holder said. “If we’re willing to engage, our democracy can survive this — though not without damage.”

 

Obama’s upcoming campaign appearances for moderate Democrats Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia represent the visible side of his reengagement. But behind the scenes, aides say he’s wrestling with a more profound question: what his role should be in defending democracy during Trump’s second term.

 

A Leadership Void and a Changing America

 

At age 64, Obama recognises both his enduring influence and the limits of nostalgia. Once the embodiment of political hope, Obama now confronts a polarised nation far from the "no red states, no blue states" vision he shared in 2004.

 

Those who know him say he has been stunned to see wealthy acquaintances and business leaders accommodate Trump for financial or political gain. Obama has quietly urged them to resist what he views as creeping authoritarianism, warning that short-term profits may come at the cost of democratic norms.

 

He’s also preparing for possible flashpoints — from Supreme Court decisions that could weaken the Voting Rights Act to politically charged prosecutions and immigration crackdowns encouraged by Trump. Privately, Obama fears these moves could erode the rule of law.

 

“He would rather not be the leader of the party—he was the leader of the free world,” said one long-time ally. “But occasionally he feels he has to speak up. No one expected it to get this bad.”

 

Obama’s Enduring Influence

 

Despite stepping back, Obama remains the Democrats’ most sought-after figure. Both Sherrill and Spanberger requested his support, while neither Joe Biden nor Kamala Harris appeared with them on the trail. Strategists say Obama still excites voters and appeals to independents in ways few Democrats can.

 

In California, he recently shifted from supporting independent redistricting to backing Newsom’s aggressive counter to Texas Republicans’ efforts to expand GOP seats. Allies see that as a sign of Obama’s more assertive stance.

 

Isaac Bryan, a Los Angeles assemblymember, called him a moral compass for the party: “Obama cares deeply about democracy and decency. Even as time passes, his voice still matters.”

 

Missteps and Lessons

 

Obama’s renewed activism hasn’t been without controversy. During last year’s campaign, he faced backlash for comments suggesting young Black men were reluctant to support a woman candidate. The fallout forced his team to recalibrate his message, underscoring the fine line he must walk in a fractured political landscape.

 

Still, Obama used his post-election Democracy Forum speech to warn against “locking in permanent power” through voter suppression or politicising the courts — remarks widely read as aimed at Trump.

 

Reconnecting With the Next Generation

 

Beyond politics, Obama has been hosting small gatherings with younger leaders, influencers, and progressives such as Bernie Sanders adviser Faiz Shakir to understand how younger voters see democracy’s challenges.

 

Texas state Rep. James Talarico recalled a call with Obama in which the former president urged Democrats to help Generation Z rediscover optimism. “I sensed an urgency in him,” Talarico said. “He feels responsible for helping the next generation meet the moment.”

 

While Obama cannot seek office again, aides say he’s determined to serve as a counterweight to Trump’s influence—a calm, rational presence in turbulent times. Holder put it simply: “Because a president says something doesn’t make it true. And there’s another president who reminds people of that.”

 

As the nation braces for what comes next, Obama’s role is shifting from elder statesman to active defender of democratic ideals — a fight he once hoped he’d never have to wage again.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Barack Obama is actively re-engaging in politics to protect democracy as Donald Trump returns to the presidency.
• Obama’s actions include campaigning for Democrats and strategising against authoritarian moves.
• Engaging younger leaders, Obama seeks to inspire future generations to support democratic integrity.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-11-01

 

 

1.  How did that work out , miss?  
 

Well, you got the Obama phone.

 

2.  Hillary just claimed the White House belongs to the people during Trump’s ballroom construction.  
Obama claims it’s his house.

 

 

 

This is an opinion piece posing as news.

39 minutes ago, webfact said:

Beyond politics, Obama has been hosting small gatherings with younger leaders, influencers, and progressives such as Bernie Sanders adviser Faiz Shakir to understand how younger voters see democracy’s challenges.

BTW, progressives are idiotic.

Obama schmabama . Dis guy might get by as a second rate Midwest city mayor - but forget about anything national. Of course the real problem is all the saps voting for him.

1 hour ago, TedG said:

This is an opinion piece posing as news.

Agree. I saw the headline and instantly thought CNN. I wasn't wrong. Of course this is the man the spent $376M of taxpayers money for his basketball court.

He is a bit old now, at 64, to be getting involved! What's more, as the OP observed he can't hold office again - ah, umh, wait a minute...

Some of his foreign policies were a bit weird .

Like sucking  up to dictators....... oh sorry got the

wrong  name .... 

3 hours ago, TedG said:

This is an opinion piece posing as news.

Isn’t this the case with all left wing media?

Yes, decent Americans such as Obama knew that Trump 2.0 was going to be very different and much worse than Trump 1.0. However, it is also true as mentioned in the article that most didn't expect the dark and dangerous transition to authoritarianism would happen so quickly. It's really been a shock and awe type of thing. It may already be too late to reverse it. It's definitely too late for the east wing of the white house. How much can Obama specifically help? Probably not very much but I don't see him speaking up as a negative either.

2 hours ago, JAG said:

He is a bit old now, at 64, to be getting involved! What's more, as the OP observed he can't hold office again - ah, umh, wait a minute...

He can hold office.  Just not the POTUS.

53 minutes ago, khunJam said:

Isn’t this the case with all left wing media?

Yep.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Yes, decent Americans such as Obama knew that Trump 2.0 was going to be very different and much worse than Trump 1.0. However, it is also true as mentioned in the article that most didn't expect the dark and dangerous transition to authoritarianism would happen so quickly. It's really been a shock and awe type of thing. It may already be too late to reverse it. It's definitely too late for the east wing of the white house. How much can Obama specifically help? Probably not very much but I don't see him speaking up as a negative either.

LOL

Obama has had his day.

Dems need new blood.

Nobody on their side looks good.

Just a bunch of losers with the same old left-wing ideas that have been tried and failed time and time again.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

most didn't expect the dark and dangerous transition to authoritarianism would happen so quickly.

 You should apply to CNN for a job. Nah! They wouldn't take you. MSNBC on the other hand you're in with a real shot.

4 hours ago, JAG said:

He is a bit old now, at 64, to be getting involved! What's more, as the OP observed he can't hold office again - ah, umh, wait a minute...

 

1 hour ago, TedG said:

He can hold office.  Just not the POTUS.

Check your irony filters!

4 hours ago, JAG said:

He is a bit old now, at 64, to be getting involved! What's more, as the OP observed he can't hold office again - ah, umh, wait a minute...

well, he's 15 years younger than Trump.... who is clearly losing his mind (tho harder to tell because never had it all that much to begin with)

If Donnie can run for 3rd, then so can Obama. Even Bill Clinton if he wanted.... 

hmmm Obama/Clinton ticket vs Trump/Bannon ticket.... 

There are many political positions with influence.

Barack Obama

Nobel Laureate

8 hours ago, TedG said:

BTW, progressives are idiotic.

Look in the mirror… There you see an idiotic AN poster😉😉😉

Obama for Potus, we finally need someone younger in the White House again, not a senile grandfather!

2 hours ago, Emdog said:

well, he's 15 years younger than Trump.... who is clearly losing his mind (tho harder to tell because never had it all that much to begin with)

If Donnie can run for 3rd, then so can Obama. Even Bill Clinton if he wanted.... 

hmmm Obama/Clinton ticket vs Trump/Bannon ticket.... 

I was thinking the same thing -- if Trump figures out a way to run for a third term, then the Democrats could put up Obama, who would demolish Trump in a general election. (Of course, none of this is going to happen.)

5 hours ago, TedG said:

LOL

FAFO

4 hours ago, dinsdale said:

 You should apply to CNN for a job. Nah! They wouldn't take you. MSNBC on the other hand you're in with a real shot.

If you deny the rapid move towards authoritarian rule in the USA, you have NO credibility whatsoever. 

Many maga cultists don't really deny it.

They LOVE it because it's from Trump/Maga and it owns the libs.

It also owns all pro constitution anti-dictatorship conservatives (where the republican party USED to be) but they act like that isn't real.

America first? No? Their anti-democracy, anti rule of law, dangerous cult first.

The trouble with Obama is that he remains a very moving and effective communicator but he's not fresh enough for this historically dangerous era. Yes, unfortunately there remains a vacuum in opposition to maga fascism leadership from the democrats or anyone else. Newsom is making a play, but his trolling maga at their own game probably only goes so far. Probably the most effective, compelling, and rational non-trolling voice now is Governor Pritzger but he's being discounted for superficial cosmetic reasons. 

8 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

If you deny the rapid move towards authoritarian rule in the USA, you have NO credibility whatsoever. 

Sure. The woke, radical, 'progressive' left's talking points are credible. They must be because MSNBC push them 24/7. Men can be women. Credible. Men can have periods. Credible. The list of 'credibility' from the woke left is extensive. Of course Trump is a facsist, authoritarian, Hitler, wanna be king monster is what you think is credible. Sorry but the left has completey lost it. This is why the left lost so many voters and a big part of the reason Trump won.

5 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Sure. The woke, radical, 'progressive' left's talking points are credible. They must be because MSNBC push them 24/7. Men can be women. Credible. Men can have periods. Credible. The list of 'credibility' from the woke left is extensive. Of course Trump is a facsist, authoritarian, Hitler, wanna be king monster is what you think is credible. Sorry but the left has completey lost it. This is why the left lost so many voters and a big part of the reason Trump won.

Straw man GARBAGE. 

It's impossible to have any kind of rational discussion with people of the maga cult. Waste of time.

The opposition to maga fascism needs to concentrate on the majority of Americans who are not in the cult. Independents, old style republcans, non-voters, lapsed democrats, etc.

27 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Straw man GARBAGE. 

It's impossible to have any kind of rational discussion with people of the maga cult. Waste of time.

The opposition to maga fascism needs to concentrate on the majority of Americans who are not in the cult. Independents, old style republcans, non-voters, lapsed democrats, etc.

A man can't be a woman. A man can be a woman. Which one do you think is rational?

Its so wonderful that we have a US president winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

8 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

A man can't be a woman. A man can be a woman. Which one do you think is rational?

Off topic but stupid.

People aren't saying that trans women are exactly the same as biological women.

You wish they were for your trolling though. Pathetic.

Barack Obama once believed American democracy could weather Donald Trump. After Trump’s return to the White House, the 44th president isn’t so sure.

 

Barack Obama once believed Democrats could weather Donald Trump. After Trump’s return to the White House, the 44th president isn’t so sure.

 

Fixed it.

 

The DNC doesn't know how to recover.  They have nothing but "Orange Man Bad", "Red voters are deplorable" and "The Free Money stops if you don't vote for us."

 

1 hour ago, Cory1848 said:

I was thinking the same thing -- if Trump figures out a way to run for a third term, then the Democrats could put up Obama, who would demolish Trump in a general election. (Of course, none of this is going to happen.)

 

That would actually be a fun election to watch.  I think, though, that Obama has lost a lot of his luster. 

 

Personally, I think he lost it before his re-election.  I was thrilled when he won the first time, but not so much when he won the 2nd time.  He promised transparency in gub'ment and delivered the opposite.