Chicago City Wire

Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, said that former President Barack Obama's influence is waning within the Democratic Party and his hometown. The statement was made on X.

"The myth of Obama shows real cracks," said Cortes.

Recent commentary highlights that Obama’s legacy and influence within the Democratic Party are being reassessed as new political factions emerge and the party shifts toward more progressive or pragmatic strategies. According to the Washington Examiner, some Democrats say "it’s no longer the party of Obama," reflecting the rise of new voices and generational change. Observers note that Obama’s message now competes with different policy priorities and grassroots energy.

According to a 2023 Gallup poll, Obama maintains a high favorability rating, with 63% of Americans viewing his presidency positively. This sentiment is echoed in AP-NORC surveys showing Obama remains well regarded among Democrats and enjoys strong support among Chicago residents, who consistently rate him above current national figures. These ratings demonstrate his enduring popularity even as political dynamics shift.

A Gallup retrospective poll found that Obama’s approval rating at the end of his presidency in 2016 was 59%, while a 2023 review showed this figure has risen to 63%, indicating public perception of his legacy has grown more favorable over time. This "rosy retrospective" effect suggests that Obama’s presidency is viewed more positively today than at its conclusion.

Cortes is currently head of the League of American Workers, a conservative advocacy group, and previously spent 25 years in financial markets with Prudential and BGC Partners. According to Key Speakers Bureau, he served as a senior adviser to Donald Trump and as spokesman for Ron DeSantis’s 2024 campaign Political Action Committee (PAC), focusing on economic populism, Hispanic outreach, and labor issues.

According to its official website, the League of American Workers is a conservative organization founded by Cortes to promote worker-focused economic nationalism and challenge traditional union power. The group engages in political messaging, grassroots outreach, and advocacy for labor reforms that prioritize American workers over corporate and globalist interests.