Former President Barack Obama, playing the role of mentor to a new generation of Democrats, gathered nearly three dozen freshman House Democrats at an event in Capitol Hill, emphasizing the critical fight against cynicism in politics. The gathering, hosted at the residence of Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and moderated by Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), was a strategic move to bolster the spirits and strategies of the party’s newest members in navigating a Republican-dominated Congress.

During the event, Obama shared personal anecdotes and reflections from his presidency, particularly focusing on the challenges and the pervasive nature of cynicism in Washington. “I get feeling discouraged sometimes,” Obama admitted, revealing that his chief of staff, Denis McDonough, had once distributed stickers with the motto: “fight cynicism,” to remind them of their core battle. Obama’s message was clear: succumbing to cynicism was not an option, and overcoming it was a prerequisite for meaningful political change.

The former president also drew parallels between the current political landscape and his experiences following the 2004 Democratic National Convention, a time when Democrats were reeling from significant losses. He recalled how the media buzzed with talks of a “permanent Republican majority” after John Kerry’s defeat and significant Democratic losses in Congress. Yet, Obama pointed to the swift changes that followed, including Nancy Pelosi becoming the first woman Speaker of the House and his own election in 2008, as evidence of how quickly fortunes could turn in politics.

His talk also ventured into practical advice, reflecting on his efforts with the Affordable Care Act, where he felt he had naively expected Republican cooperation. This candid reflection was part of a broader discussion on the importance of understanding and navigating partisan divides.

The evening was not just about looking back but also preparing for the future. Obama answered questions on a range of topics, including strategic lessons from past legislative battles, and engaged personally with attendees like Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), praising her effective communication and public engagement.

Obama’s involvement with the party’s new blood doesn’t end with occasional meetings; he has been actively participating in shaping and supporting Democratic strategies and candidates across the country. From phone calls with incoming leaders like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to campaigning in key off-year elections, Obama’s post-presidential years have been marked by an active commitment to nurturing the party’s future leadership.

This event marks only the second time Obama has met with freshman Democrats since leaving office, signaling his ongoing commitment to transitioning from a key player to a guiding coach for the Democratic Party. As one confidant of Obama put it, the goal is to “build a sustainable Democratic Party that can survive without him,” ensuring a resilient and dynamic future for the party’s next generation.