Former President Barack Obama is making select forays into the midterm elections this year as he focuses more on his charitable foundation, careful not to become a lightning rod for GOP opposition in November.
Speaking at a closed-door session during the Copenhagen Democracy Summit in June, Obama warned of a “sexist” and “angry” political opposition that isn’t “persuadable” but urged liberals to guard against “self-righteousness,” according to a transcript of the meeting obtained by CNN.
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“Sometimes, it just turns out they’re mean, they’re racist, they’re sexist, they’re angry. And your job is then to just beat them because they’re not persuadable,” Obama said, adding: “Sometimes, we get filled up in our own self-righteousness. We’re so convinced that we’re right that we forget what we are right about.”
The event underscored Obama’s focus on democracy globally and his effort to bolster a new generation of leaders through his organization.
The former president has made political appearances this election cycle, such as at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser last month. However, Obama will not be releasing a long endorsement list or hitting the campaign trail much to rally with Democratic candidates in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 8 election, CNN reported.
His endorsements will only draw from lists of candidates who President Joe Biden has already endorsed.
Instead, he’s reportedly focusing on the first of a yearly event called the Democracy Forum that will take place two weeks after Election Day. The forum will tackle “strengthening institutions and fighting disinformation” and “promoting inclusive capitalism and expanded pluralism,” Obama wrote in an event announcement.
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Despite focusing on personal ventures like the Democracy Forum, books, and media deals, Obama is still reportedly strategizing with top Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
He’s weighed in on bills under consideration by Congress, ranging from voting rights to climate regulation, and reportedly works with the Biden administration to strategize his public engagements.
