Obama Urges Democrats to Toughen Up at New Jersey Fundraiser

Former President Barack Obama delivered a forceful call to action for Democrats during a private fundraiser in New Jersey, urging them to move beyond disappointment and passivity by toughening up and actively engaging in the political process. He emphasized the need for courage to stand up for principles like free speech, even when it's difficult, and discouraged Democrats from retreating into "fetal positions" or engaging in "navel-gazing." Obama highlighted the importance of supporting Democratic candidates in the 2025 New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, specifically praising nominees Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger as pragmatic and dedicated public servants. A portion of the $2.5 million raised at the event was earmarked to bolster these campaigns and strengthen the Democratic National Committee's ability to compete in increasingly data-driven and social media-focused elections. He urged Democrats to stop seeking quick fixes or messianic figures and instead invest in building strong, practical political infrastructure. Obama's remarks also addressed internal party debates, calling for unity around shared goals rather than division.