Overview

• Obama held his first fundraising appearance since the 2024 defeats on July 11 at Phil and Tammy Murphy’s home in Red Bank, New Jersey
• The private event raised $2.5 million in combined in-person and online donations for the Democratic National Committee
• He challenged Democrats to drop “navel-gazing” and “whining,” defend free speech even when it’s unpopular, and reject the search for a quick fix
• Obama highlighted New Jersey nominee Mikie Sherrill and Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger as pragmatic candidates capable of jump-starting voter momentum
• He urged building a more data-driven, social-media-focused DNC operation to prepare for off-year contests and the 2026 election