Post Reports What’s Obama been up to?
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Oct 27, 2025 Yasmeen Abutaleb, a national politics reporter for The Washington Post, dives into Barack Obama's evolving role post-presidency. She discusses how Obama has emerged from the shadows to confront Trump’s tactics and navigate complex redistricting battles. With a focus on elevating new leaders, Obama’s strategic public interventions during crises and his behind-the-scenes orchestration—including an impactful ad for Prop 50—illustrate his unique influence within the Democratic Party. Yasmeen offers insight into Obama’s frustrations and his cautious approach to preserving the power of his voice.
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Obama's Strategic Return To Politics
- Barack Obama aims to build a Democratic Party that can survive without him by elevating new leaders and advising behind the scenes.
- He will speak publicly when he believes a line has been crossed and sees more threats in Trump's second term.
Obama Stepped In After High-Profile Events
- Obama publicly responded to high-profile moments like the Charlie Kirk assassination and HHS guidance on Tylenol in pregnancy.
- Those interventions were forceful and framed as combating misinformation and political violence.
Mid-Decade Redistricting Shock
- Trump launched an unprecedented mid-decade push for partisan redistricting beginning with Texas to try to secure more House seats.
- That push alarmed Democrats because it bypasses the usual post-census timing and threatens House control.