Former President Obama is finally returning to public life after spending weeks in French Polynesia. He recently spent time on David Geffen’s yacht with celebrities Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, and Bruce Springsteen.
Many Americans have been anxiously awaiting Obama’s next role. Those who are still mourning the election results wonder what he will do or say next regarding the state of the country. Will he intervene? Will he speak out against President Trump?
Sadly, it doesn’t look like it. Obama has plans for several upcoming speaking engagements in the next four weeks which include the University of Chicago, an awards ceremony in Boston, and some private paid speeches in both the U.S. and Germany.
Sarah Kovner, a New York City Democratic activist said:
“Why are we not hearing from him? We’ve got to hear from him.”
“Democrats are desperate.”
Michael Shear writes:
“Even as he witnesses President Trump’s relentless and chaotic assault on his legacy, Mr. Obama remains stubbornly committed to the idea that there is only one president at a time. Those closest to him say the former president does not intend to confront Mr. Trump directly on immigration, health care, foreign policy, or the environment during any of his events.”
Two days before Trump was inaugurated, Obama was pressed about this, and said he would only speak out if “our core values may be at stake.” Then a week later he spoke out in support of the thousands of Americans who were protesting President Trump’s executive immigration order. So, don’t these times qualify?
The former president is speaking out on some important issues. In his recent speech at The University of Chicago he talked about how to get young people more involved in public life. This event was free and included a diverse panel of activists, even one Republican. He also joked while coming out on stage saying:
“What’s been going on while I’ve been gone?”
In 2008, the young demographic is what helped propel Obama’s win over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries. Young people on college campuses are involved in activism but not necessarily politically engaged. Young voting rates are usually low. However, the number of young people voting in the 2008 election rose because it was such an exciting time for the history of the country.
Inspiring the younger generation is certainly important work. Hopefully, people young and old will be inspired to make sure someone like Trump never gets elected again. If Obama can have a hand in this, let him go to work.
Obama speaking on how politics divide:
Featured image from Josh Haner/The New York Times.
