Barack Obama’s biographer, David Garrow, has harsh words for the former president and his wife, Michelle, after what he calls a “tone-deaf” approach to rallying voters in support of Kamala Harris’ unsuccessful campaign. According to Garrow, the Obamas’ approach not only alienated key demographics but also risked diminishing Obama’s legacy to that of “Bill Clinton levels.”
At a Glance:
- David Garrow, Obama’s biographer, claims the Obamas’ “talking down” to voters harmed Kamala Harris’ campaign.
- Garrow believes the 2024 election outcome, along with the Obamas’ messaging, may push them out of the political spotlight.
- Barack Obama’s concerns for his legacy grow as Trump’s victory jeopardizes his achievements, especially the Affordable Care Act.
Obama’s Legacy Takes a Hit After Harris Campaign Misfire
In a revealing interview with DailyMail.com, Garrow—who authored Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama—criticized the Obamas for what he views as misguided and condescending appeals to voters. The former president’s comments to Black men during an October campaign event, where he implied that a lack of enthusiasm for Harris could be due to sexist biases, reportedly struck a nerve with many. Similarly, Michelle Obama’s rhetoric on issues like abortion was seen as heavy-handed, warning male voters against supporting Trump with phrases like, “a vote for him is a vote against us.” Garrow claims this style not only failed to garner support for Harris but also alienated voters, describing it as “self-defeating to the point of backfire.”
Garrow contends that both Barack and Michelle’s condescension toward voters, especially Black men, caused more harm than good. He also predicts that these missteps will push the Democratic Party to reconsider the Obamas’ role in future campaigns, suggesting that figures from previous administrations, including Hillary Clinton, may be sidelined as the party seeks fresher faces less tied to establishment politics.
Concerns Over Obama’s Legacy and His Future in Politics
As the dust settles after the 2024 election, Garrow asserts that Obama is “extremely concerned” about how history will view his presidency. Trump’s renewed attempts to dismantle Obama-era policies, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), represent a direct threat to Obama’s signature achievement, which extended health insurance to millions and protected those with pre-existing conditions. Trump has been vocal in his opposition to the ACA, calling it “lousy” and vowing to replace it with a better system.
Garrow suggests that Obama’s anxiety over his legacy is not unwarranted. Trump’s re-election has reignited concerns over Obama’s policy achievements, and Garrow believes this will lead the former president to retreat further from active political involvement. Instead, he predicts the Obamas will embrace their “celebrity factor” and focus on high-profile speaking engagements and media projects, such as their production company, Higher Ground Productions, rather than playing a “puppet-master” role within the Democratic Party.
Obama’s reluctance to interfere directly in political affairs may also be influenced by his complex relationship with Joe Biden. According to Garrow, Obama avoided pushing Biden to step aside, fearing that such a move would cause Biden to “dig his heels in.” Garrow attributes Biden’s eventual withdrawal from the race to figures like Nancy Pelosi, rather than to Obama’s influence.
The Obamas’ Shift Away From Washington
Looking ahead, Garrow envisions a future where the Obamas reduce their involvement in Washington, choosing instead to focus on personal and professional pursuits. The former first couple has invested significantly in property, including an $8.1 million home in Washington, D.C., and a $14 million estate on Martha’s Vineyard, where Garrow believes they will spend most of their time. In addition, they own a luxury compound in Hawaii on O’ahu, which has been under construction for years and is expected to serve as another retreat for the Obamas.
While their political influence may wane, Garrow insists that Obama’s celebrity status remains intact, allowing him to command speaking fees as high as $400,000, as he did for an event with Wall Street firm Cantor Fitzgerald. However, Garrow speculates that the Democrats’ recent loss may compel the party to move beyond figures like the Obamas, aiming for a new generation unconnected to establishment names and more aligned with the grassroots base.
“Tone-Deaf” Messaging and Missed Connections with Voters
Garrow’s critique centers around the Obamas’ approach to voter outreach, particularly their efforts to rally support for Kamala Harris. Obama’s remarks to a group of Black men, suggesting they lacked enthusiasm for Harris due to her gender, reportedly alienated some within that demographic. Likewise, Michelle Obama’s warnings about Trump’s policies, especially regarding women’s issues, may have come off as chastising, doing little to win over undecided voters.
With the Obamas possibly stepping back, Garrow foresees a shift in Democratic strategies, focusing less on high-profile personalities and more on relatable, down-to-earth candidates. The biographer contends that the Obamas’ influence within the party may now resemble that of Bill Clinton, respected yet distant, especially if the party heeds Garrow’s advice to embrace new faces over establishment figures.
While their time in Washington may be dwindling, the Obamas remain well-positioned in media and public life. From Michelle’s brand endorsement of a kids’ fruit drink to the couple’s media production ventures, the Obamas have transitioned from political heavyweights to cultural influencers, albeit ones whose political advice may no longer carry the same weight among future Democratic candidates.
