Former President Barack Obama called on Democrats who are frustrated with the status of the country under President Donald Trump to “stand up for the things that you think are right,” at a private fundraiser in New Jersey on July 11.
“I think it’s going to require a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” Obama said at the fundraiser, as first reported by CNN.
Obama’s remarks reflect a growing frustration among Democrats. An AP-NORC poll from May found that roughly one-third of surveyed Democrats feel optimistic about the party’s future, a significant drop from the 57% who felt that way in July 2024. The poll also revealed that Democrats have become increasingly critical of the party’s leaders.
More: Democratic Party’s favorability hits record lows in two polls after 2024 losses
“You know, 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 said in his speech.
“Don’t say that you care deeply about free speech, and then you’re quiet. No, you stand up for free speech when it’s hard. When somebody says something that you don’t like, but you still say, ‘You know what, that person has the right to speak.’… What’s needed now is courage,” Obama added, according to CNN reports of his remarks.
Obama encouraged support for upcoming governor’s races
CNN reported that the dinner fundraiser brought in $2.5 million through in-person and online donations for the Democratic National Committee. Some of the money raised will be allocated to the governor’s races in New Jersey.
“Stop looking for the quick fix. Stop looking for the messiah. You have great candidates running races right now. Support those candidates,” Obama said, raising attention to the governor’s elections in New Jersey and Virginia.
Obama described the Democratic nominees for governor in Virginia and New Jersey as “powerful spokespersons for a pragmatic, commonsense desire to help people and who both have remarkable track records of service.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Obama calls on Democrats to ‘toughen up’ during a fundraiser
