Former President Barack Obama said on Thursday that Democrats should welcome socialists and other left-leaning voices as essential parts of the party’s evolving coalition, urging leaders to resist pressure to narrow the ideological boundaries of the movement.

During an appearance on the “Pod Save America” podcast, Obama encouraged Democrats to avoid creating ideological “purity tests,” emphasizing that the party’s strength has always come from its diversity of thought. He pointed to the victories of two very different Democrats — Virginia’s governor-elect Abigail Spanberger and New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani — as evidence of a broad political spectrum that the party must continue to embrace.

“Tuesday was a good night, but we can’t get comfortable,” Obama said. “Our challenge now is not to start drawing lines in the sand. Abigail Spanberger won, Zohran Mamdani won — and both represent a future we should be building toward. Our responsibility is to make sure everyone feels welcome and engaged.”

He went on to say that the party’s goal should be to build a society rooted in dignity, respect, and real opportunity. Obama stressed that genuine unity doesn’t mean pretending disagreements don’t exist. Instead, he argued, it means acknowledging differences while recognizing a deeper shared purpose. “There are tough debates ahead,” Obama acknowledged. “But there’s something powerful and fundamental that binds us together.”

Mamdani, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist, was elected on a platform that includes sweeping policy changes: higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations, a citywide freeze on rent increases, free childcare and bus transportation, and the creation of publicly owned grocery stores. His win, celebrated by progressives, has also stirred warnings from more moderate Democrats who fear the label “socialism” still carries significant political risk.

That concern grew after a Gallup poll released on September 8, which found that only 42% of Democrats held a favorable view of capitalism, while 66% said they viewed socialism positively. The numbers prompted NewsNation contributor Chris Cillizza to warn that the party’s increasing acceptance of socialist policies and language could create major challenges in the 2028 presidential election.

“If I’m a Democrat focused on winning in 2028, I’d be worried,” Cillizza said. “You can soften the term, rebrand it, call it something else — but socialism as a concept is still a tough sell to most Americans.”

Yet some within the Democratic establishment clearly see things differently. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin argued in August that the future of the party depends on expanding the tent rather than narrowing it.

“We’ve got conservatives, centrists, progressives, and now these new leftists,” Martin said on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom.” “Winning is about adding people, not cutting them out. You don’t build a majority by shrinking your coalition.”

While Democrats debate the political risks and rewards of leaning further left, some critics have pointed to a contradiction emerging from within the movement. Even before taking office, Mamdani has drawn scrutiny for flying to Puerto Rico to attend the annual Somos conference, an event often described as part policy gathering, part political retreat. Though the conference is known for its focus on Puerto Rican issues, it has also become a high-profile networking and social event for New York officials — something opponents argue clashes with Mamdani’s populist message and promises of economic equality.

Thousands of political figures and nonprofit leaders attend the gathering each year to strategize, unwind, and position themselves for upcoming elections. This year’s event also marks the unofficial opening of the race for New York City Council speaker and sets the stage for statewide political maneuvering, including Governor Kathy Hochul’s reelection preparations.

Arriving on a commercial flight Thursday afternoon, Mamdani spoke briefly to reporters about his historic victory and the policies he plans to fight for — including major tax increases on high-income residents and corporations to pay for his expansive social programs. “I’m thrilled to be here at Somos,” he said. “When I was asked where I’d choose to visit outside the country, this was the place. There’s real work to do, and this movement is just getting started.”

As Democrats wrestle with ideological divisions within their ranks, Obama’s remarks signal a clear message: the party’s future, in his eyes, depends on widening — not narrowing — its political doorway.