Former President Barack Obama issued a blunt call to action for Democrats at a private fundraiser in New Jersey Friday evening, encouraging those disillusioned by President Donald Trump’s second term to stop retreating and start organizing.
“It’s going to require a little bit less navel-gazing, a little less whining and being in fetal positions,” Obama said, according to remarks obtained by CNN. “It’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up.”
He made clear that now is not the time for political apathy.
“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 emphasized that standing up for core values like free speech is essential — especially when it’s uncomfortable.
“Don’t say you care deeply about free speech and then stay quiet. You stand up for it when it’s hard — even when someone says something you don’t like.”
Rallying Democrats for the Road Ahead
The event, hosted by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy Murphy at their home in Red Bank, raised $2.5 million for the Democratic National Committee through in-person and online contributions, a source confirmed. A portion of the funds will support Democratic campaigns in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, where Rep. Mikie Sherrill is the nominee, and in Virginia, where former Rep. Abigail Spanberger is running.
Obama praised both women as “powerful spokespersons for a pragmatic, commonsense desire to help people” and highlighted their records of public service.
“The most important thing you can do right now is to help the team — our candidates — win. And we’ve got to start building up our coffers at the DNC,” he said.
He urged Democrats to invest in upcoming off-year elections in New Jersey and Virginia, calling them a critical opportunity to jump-start a broader comeback for the party.
“Stop looking for the quick fix. Stop looking for the messiah. You have great candidates running races right now. Support those candidates.”
Bridging Party Divides and Delivering Results
Obama acknowledged internal Democratic disagreements — particularly between progressives and moderates — but urged the party to stay focused on tangible results.
“There’s been some argument between the left of the party and those promoting the so-called ‘abundance agenda.’ Those things are not contradictory. If you want to deliver for people, you’ve got to figure out how to do it.”
He also called out policy paralysis, especially at the local level, citing restrictive zoning rules that make housing unaffordable.
“I don’t care how much you love working people. If they can’t afford a house because your rules make it impossible to build — your ideology doesn’t matter. You’re not helping.”
A Warning About What’s at Stake
Obama’s speech comes at a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party, which remains locked out of power in Washington. Since Trump’s return to office in January, Obama has criticized the administration’s tariffs, its erosion of civil liberties, and its pressure on American institutions.
He reiterated that he was “not surprised” by Trump’s second-term actions or by the Republican Party’s abandonment of traditional guardrails.
“What’s being asked of us is to make an effort — to stand up for the things you believe are right. Be willing to be a little uncomfortable in defense of your values, your country, and the future you want for your children and grandchildren.”
“If we all do our jobs over the next year and a half,” he said, “then I believe we can rebuild momentum and move this country in the direction it should go.”
