Former President Barack Obama drew a wave of online criticism this week after remarks he made during an appearance at Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts.
During the event, Obama said he believed it would be beneficial if women were “in charge of every government for like two years.” He also spoke about generational change in leadership, saying, “Getting younger voices out there, giving them platforms, I think is really important. One of the challenges we face globally is old men clinging to power … They’re afraid of irrelevance and death, and this has been a theme of humanity since its inception. And don’t encourage it.”
Video clips of the “old men clinging to power” comment quickly circulated on social media, prompting criticism from conservative commentators who called the remark hypocritical.
Critics pointed to Obama’s continued public visibility a decade after leaving office, and to his past support for President Joe Biden’s 2024 reelection bid. Biden, then 81, withdrew from the race after a widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump. Commentators argued Obama had backed Biden’s campaign before that withdrawal and questioned why he had not addressed that history when discussing older leaders holding onto power.
Some commentary also raised questions about aging Democratic leaders more broadly, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who has faced pressure from within his party’s progressive wing over his leadership position.
Obama’s office has not issued additional comment beyond the remarks made at the Salem State University event.
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