Obama’s Direct Message to Democrats: ‘Get Tough’
Obama to Democrats: 'Toughen Up and Get to Work'
At a private fundraiser in New Jersey on Friday night, former President Barack Obama delivered a blunt message to Democrats: stop complaining, get organized, and fight for your values—especially as the party navigates the challenges of Donald Trump’s return to power.
Speaking at the home of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy Murphy, Obama urged attendees to stop sitting on the sidelines, even if they feel discouraged. “It’s going to require a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions,” Obama said, according to excerpts of his remarks obtained by CNN. “And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up.”
The fundraiser pulled in $2.5 million for the Democratic National Committee, with part of the proceeds going toward key gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. Obama praised the Democratic nominees—Rep. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger in Virginia—as strong, pragmatic leaders with track records of public service.
“Stop looking for the quick fix. Stop looking for the messiah,” Obama said. “You have great candidates running races right now. Support those candidates.”
The former president emphasized the importance of showing up—even when it’s hard. “Don’t say that you care deeply about free speech and then stay quiet,” he said. “You stand up for free speech when somebody says something you don’t like, but you still defend their right to say it. What’s needed now is courage.”
Obama also addressed growing divisions within the party, especially between progressives and those promoting the so-called “abundance agenda.” He argued that ideological purity means little if it doesn’t translate into tangible results. “You want to deliver for people and make their lives better? You got to figure out how to do it,” he said. “I don’t want to know your ideology if you can’t build anything.”
Acknowledging the broader stakes of the moment, Obama warned that the country remains at risk of drifting toward authoritarianism. He criticized Trump’s policies and said there are now “no more guardrails” in the Republican Party. He also called on institutions—such as law firms and universities—to resist intimidation from the Trump administration.
Ultimately, Obama urged Democrats to move beyond frustration and act with purpose. “Make some effort to stand up for the things that you think are right,” he said. “Be willing to be a little bit uncomfortable in defense of your values, in defense of the country, and in defense of the world you want to leave to your children and grandchildren.”
“If we all do that,” he concluded, “we can rebuild momentum—and get this country moving in the direction it should.”
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