Former President Barack Obama has remained largely out of the public eye since President Donald Trump took office, much to the chagrin of liberals hoping to flip control of Congress and states to the Democrats in November.
All that changed on Wednesday.
The 44th president took to Twitter to share an en mass endorsement of 81 Democratic candidates running for public office, ranging from governorships and state-level cabinet posts, to state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.
"Today I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they’re running to represent," Obama tweeted.
Today I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patrioti… https://t.co/i0MECnqfJr— Barack Obama (@Barack Obama) 1533140404.0
He followed up with a tweet containing a much-needed sense of optimism and hope, delivered as only Obama can.
"I’m confident that, together, they’ll strengthen this country we love by restoring opportunity, repairing our alliances and standing in the world, and upholding our fundamental commitment to justice, fairness, responsibility, and the rule of law," Obama wrote. "But first, they need our votes."
I’m confident that, together, they’ll strengthen this country we love by restoring opportunity, repairing our allia… https://t.co/CgiImgqCDD— Barack Obama (@Barack Obama) 1533140424.0
Twitter exploded with gratitude for the former president's outreach, and people really, really miss having him as the leader of our country.
@BarackObama We miss you, Mr. President. https://t.co/EtXuYwFFTA— Jon Zal (@Jon Zal) 1533140437.0
@BarackObama PS: I hope your next wave of endorsements includes @HoulahanForPa in #PA06. https://t.co/NnphP1XY0v— Jon Zal (@Jon Zal) 1533142361.0
Even one of the candidates who received Obama's endorsement chimed in.
@BarackObama I am so proud to have earned your endorsement, Mr. President! Thank you! https://t.co/CrsYsKuzFf #SarahforGeorgia— Sarah Riggs Amico (@Sarah Riggs Amico) 1533141215.0
Lauren Underwood, whom Obama appointed as a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is running for the U.S. House in Illinois. She received Obama's endorsement and shared her gratitude as well.
Honored to be endorsed by President @BarackObama! It was a pleasure to serve in his administration, and I look forw… https://t.co/fSCxX3j0Eq— Lauren Underwood (@Lauren Underwood) 1533147926.0
The dichotomy between Obama and Trump didn't escape social media's attention.
Flashback to when Trump endorsed Roy Moore, the Alabama Republican candidate for U.S. Senate who was accused of being a pedophile, and the retired sheriff and convicted felon Joe Arpaio of Arizona, whose current run for U.S. Senate was blessed with a pardon by Trump.
@BarackObama Trump is endorsing Paul Manafort, Al Capone, Roy Moore, and Joe Arpaio.— Eugene Gu, MD (@Eugene Gu, MD) 1533140563.0
On Wednesday morning amid a flurry of tweeting, Trump claimed his former campaign chair, Paul Manafort, was being treated worse than Al Capone.
Looking back on history, who was treated worse, Alfonse Capone, legendary mob boss, killer and “Public Enemy Number… https://t.co/oJProVNYVj— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1533137747.0
Others called on Obama to be more active to counter Trump's divisiveness, such as holding rallies of his own to fire up the Democratic base.
@BarackObama You need to start having rallies to counter Trump's. Get out there and speak for the party. We are alr… https://t.co/zteHaooyMW— 🌈Joshua R. (@🌈Joshua R.) 1533140580.0
@hsojlightfoot @jncbooks @BarackObama #TrumpRally Trump returning to his previous agenda at rallies...to incite the… https://t.co/yhoyY0bD6w— Ken Lowman (@Ken Lowman) 1533141416.0
Remember when Obama lowered the federal budget deficit?
@BarackObama 🤣 Thanks! 44 😍 https://t.co/5JF2m5eBeB— Lisa🌺 (@Lisa🌺) 1533141699.0
Maybe the blue wave is real after all.