Obama’s ‘Toughen Up’ Comments Should Have Been ‘Sober Up’: Democrat Strategist [WATCH]

Former President Barack Obama issued a blunt message to Democrats this week, urging the party to stop “whining” and take action as it navigates deep internal fractures and record-low approval ratings during President Trump’s second term.

Speaking at a recent event, Obama expressed frustration with what he sees as the Democratic Party’s stagnant response to current political challenges, according to CNN.

With the party’s national approval rating sitting at just 19 percent, Obama criticized the lack of energy and direction among Democratic leaders and voters.

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“I think it’s going to require a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions,” Obama said.

“And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up.”

Obama’s comments come at a time when Democrats have struggled to coalesce around a unified agenda or message that resonates with voters.

The former president acknowledged that expressing frustration with President Trump is not enough and called on Democrats to step up their efforts.

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“You know, don’t tell me you’re a Democrat, but you’re kind of disappointed right now, so you’re not doing anything. No, now is exactly the time that you get in there and do something,” he said.

He also addressed concerns about free speech within the party, challenging Democrats to uphold the principle even when it’s unpopular.

“Don’t say that you care deeply about free speech and then you’re quiet. No, you stand up for free speech when it’s hard. When somebody says something that you don’t like, but you still say, ‘You know what, that person has the right to speak.’ … What’s needed now is courage,” Obama said.

Obama tells democrats to get out of the fetal position 😂 pic.twitter.com/od5GGaLIhz

— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) July 15, 2025

His remarks drew criticism from some within the party.

Former Democratic strategist Dan Turrentine responded by calling on Democrats to move away from extreme rhetoric and policies that he believes have contributed to the party’s current problems.

Turrentine said he would prefer to see the Democratic Party “sober up” and move on from what he described as “Trump derangement syndrome.”

He argued that returning to more grounded public policy positions would be a more effective path forward than what he views as increasingly fringe proposals gaining traction on the Left.

“The Left is totally unspooled right now,” Turrentine said.

🚨NEW: @danturrentine:

“Barack Obama said we need to toughen up. Sean, I think what we need to do is sober up.”

“After the last election, the two things everyone said Democrats needed to do was 1. Get over Trump Derangement Syndrome, and 2. Moderate on social issues and things… pic.twitter.com/a74dbCsWEx

— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) July 16, 2025

Obama’s call for courage and action arrives amid growing concerns among party insiders that the Democrats’ current messaging is failing to engage voters.

The approval rating drop to 19 percent reflects broader dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and direction.

Some critics argue that the Democrats’ current base is increasingly influenced by activists pushing for radical changes, including calls to “globalize the intifada” and to implement tax structures based on race and income by neighborhood.

These proposals have generated backlash, even among longtime Democrats, who warn that such ideas are out of touch with most Americans and unlikely to help the party regain electoral strength.

The Democratic Party’s leadership vacuum and internal ideological battles have only deepened since President Trump began his second term.

While Obama’s remarks were intended to motivate, they also highlighted the disconnect between the party’s moderate and progressive factions.

Obama, who remains one of the party’s most prominent figures, emphasized the need for Democrats to engage, participate, and fight for their values, rather than remain disillusioned or passive in the face of political setbacks.

The former president’s message comes as Democrats look ahead to 2026 midterm contests and the eventual 2028 presidential race, with increasing pressure to identify a clear path forward amid ongoing political headwinds.

As the party weighs its future, questions remain about whether Obama’s call to “toughen up” will resonate — or whether the ideological divides and policy disputes will continue to hamper its ability to recover support.