Obama was a fervent supporter of Harris during the whole campaign, cautioning voters that the 2024 election will be a contest of character and convictions rather than ideas.

However, considering that Trump won the Electoral College by a landslide 312 to 226 margin, the electorate’s choice is evident. Trump became the first Republican to win the popular vote by almost three million votes since former President George W. Bush in 2004, which helped to enable this victory.

This decision has seriously damaged the legacy of Barack Obama, the de facto leader of the Democratic Party, and will effectively leave the party powerless in Washington, D.C., until at least 2026.

The political devastation that Trump caused in 2024 has forced the Democrats to rebuild themselves after his victory eight years prior, which fundamentally changed the Republican Party. A large portion of members are asking the party to look for new leadership instead of depending on its previous leaders, the Washington Examiner reported.

In an effort to better oppose Trump, Democratic governors—many of whom are anticipated to seek the presidency in 2028—have formed a coalition known as Governors Safeguarding Democracy.

The Democratic Party is being urged by former Obama Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to “do better than reach back to its glory days to find victory.” Johnson is requesting this as the coalition unites governors who are Democrats.

Obama’s influence, once strong and unwavering, seems to be waning after the devastating loss in the 2024 election. As the de facto leader of the Democratic Party, his reputation has taken a hit as Trump’s victory has left the party in a state of disarray.

Many within the Democratic Party are calling for new leadership to rise up and lead the party in a different direction. The defeat in 2024 has forced Democrats to reassess their strategy and find a way to regain power in Washington, D.C. The formation of the Governors Safeguarding Democracy coalition is just one example of Democrats coming together to oppose Trump and his policies.

Former Obama administration officials, like Jeh Johnson, are urging the party to move forward and not dwell on past successes. Johnson’s call for the party to “do better” and look towards the future is resonating with many Democrats who believe that a new approach is needed to defeat Trump in the next election.

Despite the setback in 2024, there is still hope for the Democratic Party to regain control and make a comeback in the political landscape. With the support of influential figures like Obama, who may have lost some of his influence but still holds sway within the party, Democrats can regroup, reorganize, and prepare for the next election cycle.

The loss in 2024 may have been a blow to Obama’s legacy and influence, but it has also presented an opportunity for the Democratic Party to reinvent itself and come back stronger than ever. With new leadership, fresh ideas, and a united front, Democrats can overcome this setback and emerge victorious in the years to come.