As Barack Obama Rallies for Democrats, the Party Is Reminded of What It Lost

The brilliance and charisma of the former U.S. president make him the party’s dream candidate – if only he could run again.

Abigail Spanberger and Barack Obama in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday. Photograph: Steve Helber/AP

“It’s not like we didn’t see some of this coming,” Barack Obama said, his trademark humor carrying a weary edge. “I’ll admit—it’s even worse than I thought it would be. But I did warn y’all!”

The audience inside a packed sports arena in Norfolk, Virginia, ha…