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Barack Obama isn’t mincing words these days. The former president has reportedly told people close to him that he’s “not so sure” America would survive another Trump presidency, according to CNN. It’s a striking sentiment from a man known for his calm optimism, and it speaks to a growing sense of alarm inside Democratic circles as Trump tightens his grip on the political landscape. People who’ve spoken with Obama say he’s been watching Trump’s renewed attacks on democratic institutions and the Justice Department with mounting unease. “The harm is so profound that this calls for both a different approach generally, and a different involvement specifically by President Obama,” said Eric Holder, Obama’s former attorney general and longtime friend. Holder added that the stakes are higher than ever, saying, “There will be damage done along the way. We won’t win every battle.” For much of the past few years, Obama has tried to stay in the background, stepping out only occasionally to campaign or weigh in on major issues. But CNN reports that he and his aides are rethinking that approach, considering whether the moment calls for a louder, more direct voice. One aide put it bluntly: “He doesn’t want to be the leader of the party, he was the leader of the free world. But it feels like sometimes he’s got to speak his mind.” Obama hasn’t granted interviews about Trump, but sources say he’s growing increasingly worried about the direction of the country and the Democratic Party’s ability to fight back. He reportedly believes the party has drifted from where it was during his presidency, both politically and culturally, and wonders whether he still has a role to play in keeping its message grounded. That might explain why he’s quietly stepping back onto the campaign trail this weekend. Obama is set to appear at events for New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger, two moderate Democrats facing competitive gubernatorial races on November 4. It’s not a full return to the political spotlight, but it’s a signal that he’s ready to get his hands dirty again, at least when it counts. Behind the scenes, sources say Obama has been urging civic and business leaders not to fold to political pressure, even if it costs them. He was reportedly “shocked and disgusted” by how quickly some wealthy allies capitulated to Trump, seeing it as a sign of how much fear and cynicism have seeped into American life. In private conversations, he’s also said that true conviction only matters when it’s tested: “If you have convictions and they’re not being tested, then it’s just fashion,” he’s reportedly told associates. Still, Obama’s old ally Eric Holder remains hopeful. “If we are focused, if we’re willing to engage, if we are willing to do the work, the nation and our democracy can survive this,” Holder told CNN. It’s a note of optimism, but one that comes with a clear warning. Even for a president who built his legacy on hope, Obama now sounds like a man who’s no longer sure the country can endure what’s coming next.
