Former President Barack Obama’s influence on the Democratic Party may be nearing its end, as experts predict a “greater reckoning” following the party’s significant losses in the 2024 election.
The presidential race saw Democrats rally behind President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, with Obama’s backing playing a crucial role. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically after Biden’s tweet in July, with Obama and his allies deeply involved in steering the party’s efforts toward what they hoped would be a victory. Despite these efforts, President-elect Trump secured a decisive win with 312 electoral votes, while Harris garnered just 226, marking a “historic political comeback” that has left the Democratic establishment grappling with the aftermath.
Democratic strategist Julian Epstein criticized Obama and key party leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing them of misleading the public about Biden’s viability for a second term and failing to confront progressive policies that were out of touch with most voters.
Obama’s speech at the 2024 Obama Democracy Forum was widely discussed, with an MSNBC op-ed pointing out that Obama still doesn’t fully grasp why Trump’s rise occurred during his presidency. The op-ed suggested that to respond effectively to the demand for change, the party must stop listening to Obama’s outdated perspectives.
The Democratic Party and Harris’ campaign have faced criticism for alienating working-class voters, while Trump capitalized on their support. Harris, for instance, faced backlash for involving Hollywood celebrities in her rallies, which seemed disconnected from the struggles of Americans dealing with inflation and international conflicts.
Now, following the party’s defeat—where the White House and Senate flipped to the GOP—the Democrats are facing intense scrutiny over their election strategy. Some blame Harris’ advisers for failing to take responsibility for their mistakes, with key figures from her campaign, such as former Obama staffers, defending their efforts without admitting any errors.
The New York Post, in its editorial, claimed that Obama’s influence was finally coming to an end, accusing him of pushing Harris into the spotlight despite widespread doubts about her readiness. The editorial argued that voters had rejected the “Obamaism” that had shaped the last decade of Democratic politics.
Amid the election chaos, Obama had been involved in helping Biden with fundraisers and political appearances. However, concerns about Biden’s mental acuity had been raised for years, reaching a peak after a poorly received debate performance. Obama defended Biden’s abilities after the debate, but reports soon surfaced of Obama’s allies encouraging Biden to step aside and make room for a younger candidate.
Obama’s public silence in response to rumors of a behind-the-scenes campaign to oust Biden from the race raised further questions about his role in the party’s direction. As Biden eventually dropped out of the race, Obama endorsed Harris, who was seen as the likely nominee despite the controversy surrounding her candidacy.
The former vice president’s campaign included a slew of Obama’s former aides, signaling a close connection between the two figures. Harris had long been associated with Obama, with her political career building on support she had given him during his first presidential run. However, as the election unfolded, many believed the Democratic Party had strayed too far from its roots, adopting left-wing policies that alienated much of the electorate.
Obama, once a beacon of hope for many, has now faced criticism for allowing the progressive wing of the party to dominate, especially as his early warnings about the dangers of “woke” culture were largely ignored. His failure to consistently challenge these ideas, particularly in the face of backlash from the far left, has led to calls for a new direction within the party.
