Many of Barack Obama’s friends and supporters express their frustration with the current state of the White House and wonder, “Where is Obama?” They have a longing for his return to the political stage, akin to the superhero Mighty Mouse swooping in for a rescue. However, Obama’s time as president has come to a close; he has completed his two terms and cannot seek another.
Despite his absence from the forefront of political life, Obama has been actively engaged behind the scenes, particularly in countering President Donald Trump’s influence over the House of Representatives, especially regarding gerrymandering efforts. In an unprecedented move, Trump has encouraged redistricting initiatives in several states aimed at solidifying Republican dominance. This strategy diverges from the typical practice of redistricting, which only occurs every ten years, following the U.S. census.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott, following Trump’s lead, convened a special legislative session to revise congressional districts, potentially adding more Republican seats in Congress. In light of this, Obama consulted with his former attorney general, Eric Holder, to strategize on how Democrats might respond to this challenge.
Both Obama and Holder have long supported the creation of independent commissions for drawing congressional districts to prevent political gerrymandering. Holder leads the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, advocating for fair maps in elections. However, Obama and Holder recently acknowledged that their idealistic aspirations might need to be set aside, and they must adopt a more aggressive stance.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also considered legal strategies that would allow his state to navigate around nonpartisan redistricting requirements. Although this approach may seem hypocritical, the necessity for Democrats to protect their interests in light of Republican maneuvers was deemed essential.
The sentiment is reminiscent of a historical quip from a Chicago politician who famously said, “Chicago ain’t ready for reform.” Critics from the opposing political faction may deride the actions of Obama, Holder, and Newsom as deviations from their core principles. However, many see sticking to idealistic redistricting as equivalent to unilateral disarmament.
In a show of solidarity, Obama supported Newsom’s temporary plans for redistricting, which require approval from California voters. By mid-August, Obama had emerged as a national advocate for the Democrats’ redistricting efforts, even participating in a clandestine meeting with Texas Democrats seeking to thwart GOP redistricting efforts.
As various states grapple with partisan redistricting, including recent legal challenges in Missouri, Obama is doing his part to rally support for the Democratic Party. The current climate in U.S. politics demands reform, and the Democrats face the challenging task of convincing the electorate that they are capable of enacting substantial change.
Amidst a turbulent political landscape, Obama’s continued involvement offers a glimmer of hope that he can help bolster the Democratic Party as it seeks to unite and address the pressing issues facing the nation.