A former aide to President Barack Obama, Kal Penn, has described the former president as "not a progressive" when viewed through a "2025 lens." This statement, made on the "Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know" podcast, has drawn attention to the ongoing discussion about Obama's political positioning and his relationship with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. The remark surfaces at a time when Obama himself has been observed engaging in efforts to influence Democratic Party strategy and respond to political developments, including those involving Donald Trump.
Obama's Engagement in Political Discourse
In recent years, Barack Obama has become more vocal about the state of the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape. Reports indicate that he has been actively involved in discussions and meetings aimed at shaping the party's future and countering political opposition.
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In late 2025, Obama convened a "secret meeting with Democrats to plot his party's return to power" after Donald Trump's potential departure from office. During this gathering, he acknowledged feeling "worn out" but urged party members to avoid succumbing to cynicism.
He has also been observed engaging with prominent Democratic lawmakers, including discussions with Sarah McBride, described as one of the most progressive freshman Democratic lawmakers.
Obama has offered advice and served as a sounding board for Joe Biden, particularly following the latter's debate performance in mid-2024.
The "Progressive" Label: A Shifting Perspective
The classification of Barack Obama as a "progressive" has been a subject of ongoing analysis and differing viewpoints. Penn's comment suggests that a contemporary perspective, a "2025 lens," might alter this perception.
Kal Penn, who served in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2011, views Obama not being considered a progressive as a sign of "progress" in working. This implies a belief that the political landscape has moved forward since Obama's presidency.
Gary Dorrien, in his book "The Obama Question: A Progressive Perspective," explores how Obama transitioned from a candidate of "hope and change" to a president of "cope and adapt." Dorrien acknowledges Obama's support for causes like gay marriage but also notes instances where Obama "fell short, repeatedly, of the ideals he espoused."
Conversely, some analyses suggest that early in his presidency, particularly around his reelection, there were fears among conservatives that Obama would usher in a "generational turn toward progressivism." However, others, including conservatives, have tended to view him as more aligned with a "Jimmy Carter: The Sequel" narrative, suggesting perceived incompetence and a collapsing economy.
Obama's Stance on Intra-Party Dynamics
Barack Obama has publicly commented on the challenges facing the Democratic Party, particularly in its engagement with different voter demographics.
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He has criticized the "progressive wing in his party for alienating voters, such as young men."
Obama has also stated that Democrats have a "harder job in governing than Republicans," suggesting that the GOP's approach often involves obstruction rather than constructive governance.
In late 2025, he advised House Democrats to "focus on the midterms, not ideological divides," emphasizing the importance of winning elections and then "telling a story" to bring people back into the party. He stressed that winning the House was crucial for this broader goal.
Obama's Support for Specific Movements
While the overall label of "progressive" may be debated, Barack Obama has on occasion expressed support for specific movements and actions that align with progressive concerns.
In early 2026, Obama publicly stated his support for anti-ICE demonstrators in Minneapolis, citing the "unprecedented nature" of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation. He described the federal agents' actions, which included tactics like using children to bait parents and teargassing crowds, as beyond acceptable guidelines.
During his presidency, his support for gay marriage in May 2016 was noted as a significant moment, bringing "a palpable feeling of relief among progressive Democrats."
Evidence
Kal Penn's statement: Made on the "Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know" podcast. (Article 1)
Obama's criticism of progressives: He has "criticized the progressive wing in his party for alienating voters, such as young men." (Article 1)
Obama's view on governing: He said Democrats have the "harder job" in governing than Republicans. (Article 1)
Affordable Care Act: Described as having a "conservative model" initially, yet Obama "barely got the Democratic votes to get it passed." (Article 1)
Obama's engagement with Trump's impact: People who know Obama say he has been "surprised and appalled" by concessions to Trump by his social circle. (Article 2)
Book by Gary Dorrien: "The Obama Question: A Progressive Perspective" discusses Obama's transformation and notes he "fell short, repeatedly, of the ideals he espoused." (Article 4)
Obama's support for gay marriage: He became the "first US president to come out in support of gay marriage." (Article 4)
Obama's support for Minneapolis demonstrators: He "publicly gave his support to demonstrators in Minneapolis for standing up to the 'unprecedented nature' of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation." (Article 5)
Obama's meeting with Democrats: He "convenes secret meeting with Democrats to plot return to power." (Article 8)
Obama's advice to House Democrats: He told them the party should "focus on the midterms, not ideological divides." (Article 10)
Obama's description of his role with Biden: He took on a "tough-love advisory role, presenting different scenarios to Biden" after a debate performance. (Article 7)
Sources:
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