RED BANK, NEW JERSEY — Former President Barack Obama didn’t hold back his frustration with Democrats he described as “whining” and adopting a defeatist attitude. At a high-profile fundraiser Friday evening, the 63-year-old urged his party to stop complaining and start standing firm.
Speaking at an intimate dinner hosted by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy Murphy in Red Bank, Obama delivered a blunt message: Democrats need to “toughen up” and actively defend the values they believe in — no more retreating or “adopting a fetal position.”
“I believe it will necessitate a bit less introspection and a bit less complaining,” Obama said. “It will require Democrats to simply toughen up.”
The event raised $2.5 million for the Democratic National Committee through a combination of in-person and online donations, according to CNN.
A Call for Courage and Free Speech
Obama expressed little surprise at former President Trump’s behavior or the lack of “guardrails within the Republican Party.” What unsettled him, however, was seeing some Democrats who once stood boldly for their causes now appearing “cowed, intimidated, and retreating” from speaking out.
He urged Democrats to uphold free speech, even when it’s uncomfortable. “When someone expresses an opinion that you disagree with, you should still assert, ‘That individual has the right to express themselves,’” Obama emphasized.
Rejecting the idea of waiting for a political savior, he encouraged Democrats to recognize the “excellent candidates currently running for office” and to stop “searching for a messiah.” Obama highlighted upcoming off-year elections in New Jersey and Virginia as potential turning points that could “give a significant boost for our future direction.”
Bridging Party Divides
Addressing ideological divisions within the party, Obama called for unity between the left wing and moderates who back an “abundance agenda” — policies aimed at reducing regulations to boost supply.
“These positions are not mutually exclusive,” he said. “If you aim to improve people’s lives, you must find a way to achieve that. I am not interested in ideology if it doesn’t contribute to building something.”
Mixed Reactions Ignite Online Debate
Obama’s frank remarks sparked lively discussions online, earning both praise and criticism.
Some applauded his realism and urged Democrats to move beyond slogans like “When they go low, we go high,” calling it a “bygone era.” One commenter hailed him as “an absolute legend” who understands the need for new leadership that can energize and empathize with the public.
Others echoed Obama’s call for stronger, more assertive leadership. “It’s about time! We need resilient leaders who will stand firm,” one user wrote.
But not all were convinced. Some mocked the idea of Democrats toughening up, dismissing it as unlikely. Others stressed the need for “common sense” over courage, expressing skepticism about the party’s direction.
Note: This article references online comments and opinions from various individuals and groups. MEAWW cannot independently verify these statements and does not endorse any views expressed.