Kamala Harris’s Failure, Joe Biden’s Unpopularity – Now Former President Obama Faces Sharp Criticism from Within the Democratic Party

Kamala Harris’s Failure, Joe Biden’s Unpopularity – Now Former President Obama Faces Sharp Criticism from Within the Democratic Party

For years, Barack Obama’s former campaign staff and White House advisors played a central role in shaping the Democratic Party’s strategy. But after the devastating 2024 election defeat, a new question is echoing within the party: Is the Obama era over?

Obama Camp’s Role in Harris’s Defeat

In the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris was the Democratic nominee. She sought the help of Jim Messina, Obama’s former campaign manager. But Messina’s close friend and influential Democratic donor John Morgan warned him:

“Jim, if you do this, it’ll be political suicide.”

Eventually, Messina rejected Harris’s proposal. She went on to lose the election to Donald Trump. Many now view Messina’s decision as the right one.

Even though Obama’s renowned strategist David Plouffe was involved in Harris’s campaign, he too is facing criticism for the defeat. John Morgan said:

“Plouffe’s brilliance has faded. He was the ‘golden boy.’ Now he’s a broken man.”

Democratic Discontent with the Obama Era

Several Democratic leaders now believe that the strategies, decisions, and staff from the Obama years have become outdated.

DNC officials have complained that during his presidency, Obama failed to adequately support and groom local and state-level leaders. The party is still feeling the consequences of this gap.

The “Obama Coalition” Collapses

The coalition that twice helped Obama win the presidency—apolitical voters, young people, and minority communities—did not turn out for Harris this time. In fact, Trump succeeded in attracting portions of those very groups.

Frustration with Biden’s Role

Many also blame Joe Biden for Harris’s loss, citing his late withdrawal from the race—only 107 days before the election.

In his new book, David Plouffe even holds Biden responsible for “marching toward disaster,” though this has only fueled more criticism of Plouffe himself.

DNC finance chair Chris Korge said:

“Obama’s staff have become failed ‘gurus.’ It’s time to bring in new strategists. The Obama model no longer works.”

A Call for New Thinking

Many Democratic leaders now agree that the party must move out of Obama’s shadow and invest more in local races while adopting strategies that fit the modern political landscape.

DNC Vice Chair and local political veteran Jane Kleeb noted:

“We failed to protect our local candidates in the 2024 election. That was a huge mistake.”

Political analyst Mike Nellis stated:

“We’re still suffering from excessive nostalgia for the Obama era. But it’s time to face a new reality.”

The Democratic Party now stands at a crossroads. The once-revered leader Obama and his team of strategists are under scrutiny. The question is clear: Has their time come to an end?