Barack Obama once believed America would endure Donald Trump. He\u2019s less certain now.<\/p>\n
Eight years after leaving office, the 44th president still commands attention and influence \u2014 drawing crowds, advising Democratic leaders, and raising money \u2014 but friends say a sense of darkness and anxiety has crept into his once-optimistic vision.<\/p>\n
After largely stepping back during Biden\u2019s presidency, Obama and his aides are reconsidering his quiet role as Trump\u2019s return and his efforts to undermine democratic institutions push Obama toward more visible engagement. \u201cThe harm is so profound,\u201d said former Attorney General Eric Holder. \u201cThis calls for a different approach \u2014 and a different involvement \u2014 by President Obama.\u201d<\/p>\n
Obama is back on the campaign trail for moderate Democrats like Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, but what troubles him most is what to do beyond elections. Now 64, he\u2019s confronting a divided, polarized country far removed from the one he imagined two decades ago.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s urging business and political leaders not to bend to Trump and preparing for legal and constitutional showdowns, from potential attacks on the Voting Rights Act to possible attempts by Trump to extend his term. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t want to be the leader of the party,\u201d said one ally, \u201cbut he feels like he has to speak his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Obama\u2019s enduring appeal still makes him Democrats\u2019 most effective messenger \u2014 even as younger voters see him as a figure from another era. \u201cWe all have to accept when we\u2019re not the coolest anymore,\u201d said California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan.<\/p>\n
Still, Obama is testing how to guide the next generation while defending democracy. His missteps \u2014 such as comments during the 2024 campaign that alienated some Black voters \u2014 have made him cautious but more determined to challenge disinformation and authoritarian rhetoric.<\/p>\n
Recently, he\u2019s reemerged at global forums and private strategy sessions with rising Democrats and progressive activists, seeking ways to keep hope alive amid mounting threats. \u201cHe can\u2019t run again,\u201d said strategist Faiz Shakir, \u201cbut he\u2019s asking himself if he still understands what Americans are thinking \u2014 and what it will take to save democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Obama\u2019s Growing Anxiety About America\u2019s Future Barack Obama once believed America would endure Donald Trump. He\u2019s less certain now. Eight years after leaving office, the 44th president still commands attention and influence \u2014 drawing crowds, advising Democratic leaders, and raising money \u2014 but friends say a sense of darkness and anxiety has crept into his…<\/p>\n