Former President Barack Obama implored fellow Democrats to “toughen up” at a private fundraiser in New Jersey as his party attempts to rebuild its coalition under President Donald Trump’s second term.
“I think it’s going to require a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” Obama said, according to excerpts the Washington Examiner obtained of the Democratic National Committee fundraiser.
The event held on Friday evening marked Obama’s first fundraising event since the November election, after Trump defeated former Vice President Kamala Harris and the GOP gained control of both the House and the Senate.
Democrats have since remained in a political wilderness over how best to counter Trump. Members of the base have pushed party leaders for a more combative stance against the president, while some lawmakers have cautioned against a “resistance”-level attack against him. DNC chairman Ken Martin has publicly and privately complained of the turmoil with the controversial David Hogg, which has at times overshadowed his tenure.
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Obama waded into the debate during the fundraiser, which will help boost New Jersey gubernatorial nominee Mikie Sherrill’s coffers as she competes against Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
“Don’t tell me you’re a Democrat, but you’re kind of disappointed right now, so you’re not doing anything,” Obama continued. “No, now is exactly the time that you get in there and do something. Don’t say that you care deeply about free speech and then you’re quiet.”
The New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial elections are the two most high-profile races this year, which the former president alluded to. Former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger is running to succeed Gov. Glen Youngkin (R-VA) against Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.
“We have this great opportunity, with two candidates who are similar and powerful spokespersons for a pragmatic, common-sense desire to help people and who both have remarkable track records of service,” said Obama.
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“Stop looking for the quick fix. Stop looking for the Messiah. You have great candidates running races right now. Support those candidates,” he continued. “Get Mikie elected Governor. Win Virginia. Make sure that the DNC has what it needs to compete in what will be a more data-driven, more social media-driven cycle, which will cost some money, and expertise, and time.”
Both Martin and Sherrill attended the fundraiser hosted at the home of Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy Murphy, in Red Bank. CNN first reported on Obama’s comments.