The Obamas, the Clintons, Past Presidents and Candidates – What are They Doing Now?

This was written by Maggie, one of our summer interns. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect those of Civitas other than respect for the value of open dialogue.

Where in the world are the Clintons? Or what about Al Gore and John Kerry? Did you hear that the Obamas were going to do a Netflix special? Michelle has been busy on her book tour, but where’s Barack? 

Ever since Trump became president, the Obamas have laid low, occasionally tweeting or speaking to groups. After Trump took office, they began to travel. The family has been reportedly staying on Barthelasse Island, which is near the Provencal city. Obama did speak up against the Muslim travel ban Trump implemented. Also, Obama campaigned alongside Democratic candidates for the 2018 midterm elections. Former Vice President Joe Biden has been talking about Obama as much as he can, especially on the debate stage. A common question with Democratic voters is who will Obama endorse?  Many other candidates mention him on the campaign trail. 

Beyond golf games and foundation fundraising, the Obamas have been writing, Michelle publishing her book in 2018 and Barack crafting his memoir, starting with his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech. However, his publishing date may depend on the result of the 2020 election, adding a part about victory or defeat. Additionally, the Obamas started a deal with Netflix, “to produce original scripted, unscripted and documentary series and films.” They founded Higher Ground Productions, which is a company to make these shows on Netflix.

Moreover, Obama met with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in May and then later spoke to around 12,000 people for a progressive think-tank called Canada 2020. The Obamas were at the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago in October of 2017. Obama has been at different games, including an NCAA college basketball game between Duke University and the University of North Carolina in North Carolina in February. In addition, Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance during the opening segment of the Grammy Awards in February of 2019. Lastly, the commissioned portraits of Barack and Michelle were revealed at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. in February of 2018. Obama’s portrait was created by Kehinde Wiley and Michelle’s by Amy Sherald. They seem busy, but I argue they need to be more involved in our crippling democratic crisis.

After a devastating loss for all of America in 2016, people are wondering about the person affected by it the most. Hillary Clinton spent much time taking care of herself and in thoughtful reflection, which included writing her memoir, What Happened. Recently, she has been somewhat active on Twitter in addition to spending time with her family, shopping, watching plays, and founding the political action organization called Onward Together. In 2018, Clinton was presented with the Radcliffe Medal by Harvard University for her work in public service such as serving as a lawyer, U.S. senator, secretary of state, and first lady. Also, in 2018, she got slight involved in the midterm elections, making some public appearances at various talks and presentations. However, Clinton has confessed in interviews she is finished running for office. Both Bill and Hillary Clinton went on a speaking tour. Bill has also been writing for a book and will often travel around the country. He has helped his presidential library succeed and continues to work with the Clinton Presidential Foundation.

I often wonder about other popular figures in recent history, Al Gore and John Kerry. Al Gore has been vocal about climate change. This southerner who ran for president in 2000 after serving as vice president for Bill Clinton won the popular vote but not the electoral college, losing the election. He now helps with climate leadership training, tracing back to his work as a congressman working with scientists and studying different countries and climates. Additionally, John Kerry has served as a Massachusetts senator and as Obama’s second term secretary of state. He also lost his 2004 presidential race to George W. Bush by a mere 19 electoral votes. He continues to be active in international affairs and climate change prevention, specifically calling out the current administration’s apathy and inaction, such as in the New York Times op-eds. Even after losing unfortunately, these politicians and candidates along with many others stay engaged, but should they continue to do more?

Historically, former United States presidents have kept a subtle, comfortable life, sometimes retiring or taking a long break from work. Eisenhower went to his Gettysburg farm after his presidency, and Truman turned to reading and writing in 1972. Bush worked with aid programs in the wake of natural disasters, and Carter worked with social justice organizations, including Habitat for Humanity. There really is no exact precedent of what a former president should do after their term.

These people and their stories present a greater awareness of the problems of the electoral college. Most of them were severely affected by them and warrant that we change this outdated, unjust system.

Feedback on this post is greatly appreciated – comment on this post or email me at [email protected].