Obama Warns of Threats to Democracy in First Post-Election Speech

Speaking at the Obama Foundation's Democracy Forum, the former president emphasized the need for pluralism and vigilance against violations of democratic norms.

Barack Obama delivered his first public remarks since the 2024 election, focusing on the importance of pluralism and the challenges facing democracy in the United States.
Without naming President-elect Donald Trump directly, Obama criticized actions such as voter suppression, politicization of institutions like the military, and the weaponization of the judiciary as crossing a critical line.
Obama acknowledged the deep divisions in the country and urged Americans to engage in coalition-building and compromise to strengthen democratic principles.
The former president reflected on the historical exclusion of marginalized groups in American democracy and the resulting complexities in achieving pluralism today.
Obama's speech comes after a significant Republican victory in the 2024 election, with Democrats losing the presidency, the House, and the Senate.