By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to CNN, former President Barack Obama, age 64, is reportedly concerned about the future of the Democratic party due to Donald Trump’s attacks. These concerns have led Obama to re-evaluate his previous strategy of maintaining a low public profile. He is now preparing to return to the campaign trail, as demonstrated by his scheduled appearances for moderate Democratic candidates. Obama is also reportedly reaching out to institutional leaders, urging them to resist the current administration’s actions.
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Obama Is Now Not So Sure America Can Survive Under Trump
It’s becoming increasingly clear, from a perspective that’s had a good vantage point over the years, that the United States is teetering. The very foundations seem to be cracking. Institutions are being eroded, replaced by a landscape of what can only be described as chaos. The actions of certain individuals, the policies being enacted – it all points to a nation in a precarious state. The speed with which certain destructive agendas have been implemented is alarming.
The Supreme Court, unfortunately, isn’t providing any comfort. Its decisions, which have the potential to further expand the power of those in charge, seem to be moving in the wrong direction. The question then becomes, how do you stop this? The Democrats gaining a majority in the midterms would be a positive step, but even that might not be enough. With the current power structures in place, the path forward is uncertain, and there is a real fear of where things are heading.
The coming years appear fraught with challenges, and it’s hard to be optimistic about the direction things are going. If the Democrats do regain power, their first term will likely be consumed by trying to undo the damage that’s been done. The supposed safeguards designed to prevent a president from turning into a dictator seem to be failing. The constant headlines about illegal activities and ignoring court orders show that the mechanisms of accountability are not working.
The midterms are critical. It will come down to whether the public rejects the direction the country is headed in, or whether the current trajectory is somehow validated. Either scenario has the potential to alter the fabric of the United States. Trump, while a significant factor, is also a symptom of a deeper rot. The nation will not return to where it once was until the influence of certain groups on the Supreme Court is eradicated.
It’s easy to feel like more could have been done to prevent the current situation. Now we are here, and the situation is grim. The media, often with its own biases and agendas, doesn’t always reflect the best interests of the country. Leadership that appeared to favor a soft approach paved the way for the current crisis. The fascists never really went away; they’ve simply been biding their time. The Democrats need to unite behind the candidates who represent the people.
The time to speak up was yesterday. It would be positive if Obama began to strongly criticize Trump and the direction of the country. It’s important to remember that the support for Trump won’t just disappear. Unless there is a massive shift in the attitudes of a large part of the population, the next crisis may not be far off, and the next threat could be even more dangerous.
The people insulated by wealth and power didn’t seem to feel true regret. The delay in recognizing the severity of the situation is frustrating. The problem has been building for decades, fueled by a sustained campaign of misinformation. Right-wing propaganda, combined with the decline of American manufacturing jobs, has dramatically shifted the political landscape. The fact that Trump’s actions are a concern to the founding fathers should be taken as seriously as the issue warrants. The constant checks and balances only work if they are actually used.
The very people who often claim to be defenders of individual rights are now embracing dictatorial power. Obama’s past is also relevant. His reluctance to get involved in the primary elections of 2016, along with his subtle support for certain political figures, may have inadvertently fueled the current situation. The Democratic establishment, in many ways, has been part of the problem. Instead of addressing the rising threats, they seem content with empty rhetoric. The focus has been on fundraising and maintaining power, rather than actually winning elections. The current strategy is failing. It’s time to rebuild the party from the ground up.
The ivory towers of the Democratic Party and their high-minded ideas seem to be detached from the struggles of everyday people. The Democratic establishment has let the people down. If the Democrats want to regain the public trust, they will need to be aggressive.
There is a growing sense that America may not be deserving of its former status, given the levels of ignorance and denial. The American people need to rally together and fight. Judges must uphold the Constitution as if it is a matter of survival.
This is a critical moment. Nationalism and its counterpart, ethno-nationalism, are dangerous forces. The United States is no longer the same country it once was. The Democrats need to legislate and fund elections.
The damage caused by those in power will take a generation to fix. Drastic measures might be necessary to fix the existing problems. The media environment needs to be challenged. It will be important to hold accountable those who have harmed the country and undermined democracy.
It’s clear that the situation is grave. It’s time for Democrats to present a clear plan.