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During his first speech after the election, Obama emphasized the importance of forming partnerships and creating alliances. He stated that focusing on purity tests is not a strategy for achieving success in the long run.
Authored by Julie Bosman
Writing from the city
During his first public address since the presidential election in November, Barack Obama emphasized the importance of Americans coming together to preserve democracy. He encouraged people to seek compromise, interact with those who hold different beliefs, avoid focusing solely on identity politics, and cultivate connections with individuals who may seem unlikely allies.
Mr. Obama emphasized in Chicago that pluralism is not just about unity and superficial gestures. It is not about compromising your beliefs or giving up when faced with challenges. Pluralism is about understanding that in a democratic society, influence and strength come from forming partnerships and alliances, and allowing space for a diverse range of perspectives within those alliances. This includes not just those who are already aware and involved, but also those who are beginning to awaken to social issues.
He stated that using purity tests is not a strategy for achieving success in the long run.
Promoted as a discussion on the importance of diversity, the speech provided guidance for liberals on how to navigate politics during a potential second term for Donald J. Trump. It was presented at the annual Democracy Forum organized by the Obama Foundation, a private nonprofit organization founded by Mr. Obama.
At the beginning of his speech, Mr. Obama mentioned that when he informed his friends about the main focus of this year’s forum, they reacted with groans and eye rolls.
Mr. Obama acknowledged that the recent election was difficult and competitive, and the outcome was not what they had anticipated. He and his wife, Michelle, had put in a lot of effort campaigning for Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, in the last few weeks.
Mr. Obama’s friends felt that discussing ways to unite a deeply divided country seemed more theoretical than practical.
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