Barack Obama labeled 'fool' for praising Texas Democrats' 'courage' in blocking GOP redistricting plan

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Barack Obama joined a virtual meeting with Texas House Democrats who had fled the state to block GOP-backed redistricting efforts.

He applauded their courage and framed their actions as essential to the national fight for democracy and voting rights.

The ongoing political standoff in Texas intensified as more than 50 Democratic state lawmakers left the state to block a redistricting bill backed by President Donald  Trump.

The proposed legislation, which would likely grant Republicans five additional congressional seats, could not move forward without a quorum, something Democrats effectively denied by leaving. 

Barack Obama joins a meeting with Texas House Democrats

On Thursday, August 14, former President Barack Obama joined a meeting with Texas House Democrats who had left the state in an effort to block the passage of GOP-drawn congressional maps. He praised their bold move and emphasized the importance of their actions in the broader national fight against partisan gerrymandering.

“We can't let a systematic assault on democracy just happen and stand,” Obama told the lawmakers, who had gathered in Illinois. “Because of your actions, because of your courage, what you've seen is California responding, other states looking at what they can do to offset this mid-decade gerrymandering.”

He continued, “I want all of you to be returning feeling invigorated and know that you have helped to lead what is going to be a long struggle. It's not going to be resolved right away, and it's going to require, ultimately, the American people understanding the stakes and realizing that we cannot take our freedoms and our democracy for granted. You've helped set the tone for that, and I'm grateful for it."

Obama also praised them on X: "I am so proud of the @TexasHDC and the work that they’ve done. Their willingness to put themselves on the line to highlight the current assault on our democracy has set an example for what all of us have to do." 

Internet reacts to Barack Obama's support for Texas Democrats

Barack Obama’s show of support for Texas Democrats in their fight against Republican-led gerrymandering sparked swift reactions across social media, turning the internet into a battleground of mixed opinions. 

Critics questioned Obama’s stance. One user on X wrote, “If gerrymandering is such an assault on democracy, then why have Democrats gerrymandered virtually every state as much as they can already, to the point where states like yours have 48% voting for Trump but only 3 representatives out of 17?”

Another user slammed, “You assaulted our country.”

A different commenter added, “You are a treasonous fool and a puppet to the communist globalist elite. The American people see right through your smug arrogance. You are evil to your core!”

Another skeptical comment read, “So we have changed the meaning of democracy to ‘leaving your state when it is time to vote.’ Seems very democratic.” 

Some mocked the Texas Democrats’ strategy, with one writing, “Proud of cowards who run away, interesting,” while another added sarcastically, “Oh no, not you too with the goofy ‘attack on our democracy’ crap.”

On the other hand, supporters praised both Obama and the lawmakers. One pro-Democrat commenter declared, “Donald Trump is the most corrupt president in history. I stand with Texas Democrats.”

Another simply said, “Thank you for supporting them!”

Gene Wu expressed enthusiasm about Barack Obama’s support

Texas Representative Gene Wu, chair of the state’s House Democratic Caucus, expressed enthusiasm following a virtual meeting with former President Barack Obama.

Speaking to ABC News, Wu said members were “especially excited” by the opportunity and saw Obama’s involvement as clear validation that their actions had the backing of the Democratic Party at all levels.

“Having former President Obama speak with us and support us is proof that when Texas House Democrats stand up and fight back,” Wu said, “we don't stand alone — we have the support of Democrats at every level who understand that when Republicans attack voting rights in Texas, they're attacking the foundation of our democracy everywhere.”

Wu revealed that the meeting was held via Zoom from an undisclosed location due to what he described as threats and surveillance from Texas Republicans, calling it a sign of desperation from Governor Greg Abbott.

“The fact that we have to meet former President Obama from an undisclosed location and via Zoom because of Republican threats and surveillance only proves how desperate Abbott and his extremist allies have become,” Wu added. “They know their racial gerrymandering scheme is falling apart, so they're resorting to intimidation tactics. But Obama’s support shows the whole country is watching, and Texas House Democrats won’t be silenced by bullies."

Obama is expected to continue spotlighting redistricting battles

Former Attorney General Eric Holder, now chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), also joined the call. He briefed the caucus on the NDRC’s strategy to counter Republican-led efforts in red states to redraw congressional maps that would give the GOP an advantage in upcoming elections.

Obama is expected to keep redistricting battles in the spotlight later this month when he headlines a fundraiser hosted by the NDRC in Martha’s Vineyard. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Eric Holder will also attend the event, scheduled for August 19.

According to Wu, Texas Democrats may return to the state under two conditions: if the current special legislative session ends on August 15, and if California Democrats formally introduce their own redistricting proposal aimed at offsetting the GOP-favored Texas maps. Both developments are anticipated by the end of the week.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.