In a world where the rule of law is constantly tested and the pillars of democracy face growing scrutiny, the role of the judiciary has never been more important
Former President Barack Obama’s recent social media post celebrating Judge Susan Crawford’s electoral victory in Wisconsin is more than just a congratulatory remark—it’s a deliberate and timely reminder of the critical role judges and judicial elections play in preserving the integrity of our democratic system.
By commending Crawford for her commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting civil liberties, Obama indirectly calls upon citizens everywhere to recognize how consequential their votes are—not just in presidential elections, but at every level of government, including the courts.
Table of Contents
- 1. The Context Behind Obama’s Message
- 2. Why Judicial Elections Matter More Than Ever
- 3. Who Is Judge Susan Crawford?
- 4. The Role of Judges in Protecting Civil Liberties
- 5. Wisconsin’s Electoral Landscape and the Rule of Law
- 6. Barack Obama’s Legacy and His Advocacy for Democratic Norms
- 7. The Rising Importance of Local Elections in Shaping National Policy
- 8. Civic Engagement and the Future of Judicial Integrity
- 9. Final Thoughts: Sustaining Democracy One Vote at a Time
1. The Context Behind Obama’s Message
Though brief, Barack Obama’s message of congratulations to Judge Susan Crawford is layered with meaning. On its surface, it appears to be a routine endorsement—a former president recognizing a newly elected public servant. However, for those familiar with Obama’s post-presidential focus, this is part and parcel of his broader mission to encourage civic engagement and highlight the importance of democratic institutions.
Obama has always emphasized the long game of democracy. His public statements and organizational efforts, such as through the Obama Foundation, consistently stress the need for active civic participation, especially among young people. The fact that he took time to specifically praise a judicial election in a state-level race shows how much is truly at stake—even outside the national spotlight.
The timing is also relevant. As political polarization reaches historic levels and judicial independence becomes increasingly vital to halting authoritarian creep, Obama’s implicit warning is clear: the integrity of the American judiciary must be protected—and that begins with the people we elect to serve on the bench.
2. Why Judicial Elections Matter More Than Ever
For many voters, judicial elections often come as an afterthought. Ballots filled with unfamiliar names and nuanced legal distinctions make it tempting to skip these decisions entirely. But these lesser-known elections arguably have some of the most profound impacts on our day-to-day lives.
Judges interpret the Constitution. They decide on critical issues like abortion rights, gun control, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. In many cases, state judges pave the way for setting precedents that shape national debate.
Electing judges who understand and are committed to the principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution—principles like equal protection, due process, and personal liberty—is essential. These officials aren’t just legal authorities; they’re the final line of defense when the values of democracy come under threat.
In this context, Barack Obama’s highlighting of Susan Crawford is a clarion call to voters everywhere: pay attention to your judges, because they are guardians of your freedom.
3. Who Is Judge Susan Crawford?
To understand the weight of this victory, it helps to know more about who Judge Susan Crawford is, what she stands for, and how her platform aligns with broader democratic principles.
Judge Crawford’s career spans both private practice and public service. Known for her measured and principled approach to the law, she has consistently championed judicial independence—an increasingly rare trait in today’s hyper-partisan environment. Her judicial record (and campaign rhetoric) underscores a commitment to fairness, transparency, and enforcing the Constitution without political bias.
Crawford has also made it clear that she views the judiciary as a bulwark in protecting civil liberties. In a time when rights once thought to be settled—such as access to reproductive healthcare or freedom of assembly—are being re-litigated across various jurisdictions, her stance is both bold and necessary.
Her victory is not solely a personal milestone—it represents a community choosing principles over partisanship, and justice over political gain.
4. The Role of Judges in Protecting Civil Liberties
Civil liberties form the bedrock of the modern democratic state, encompassing freedoms like expression, privacy, assembly, and equal protection under the law. Judges often serve as the interpreters and protectors of these liberties.
During moments of political unrest or legislative overreach, it is often the judiciary that reins in unconstitutional actions. From halting discriminatory practices to pushing back unconstitutional gerrymandering, courts have long played a pivotal role in maintaining balance.
When voters elect judges who understand the breadth and depth of these rights, they are effectively placing custodians at the gate—individuals tasked with ensuring that neither passion nor prejudice distorts justice.
This is why Obama’s emphasis on having judicial officials who “uphold the rule of law and safeguard our liberties” cannot be overstated. It’s not just about filling an office; it’s about choosing a person who may one day decide on issues that fundamentally shape our collective futures.
5. Wisconsin’s Electoral Landscape and the Rule of Law
Wisconsin is no stranger to high-stakes judicial battles. The state’s Supreme Court, for example, has had outsized influence on gerrymandering, voting access, abortion rights, and pandemic responses. These are not niche legal topics—they are central to how democracy functions.
That’s why Judge Crawford’s victory can be seen as indicative of a larger shift in public sentiment. Voters in Wisconsin are becoming increasingly aware of how judicial decisions affect them—not just in the abstract, but in tangible, real-world ways.
Whether it’s through decisions about free speech on college campuses, the enforcement of environmental regulations, or civil rights protections, Wisconsin’s judges walk a tightrope between law and ideology. Electing someone like Crawford sends a message that citizens demand impartiality, competence, and fidelity to constitutional values.
6. Barack Obama’s Legacy and His Advocacy for Democratic Norms
Ever since leaving the White House, Barack Obama has dedicated much of his platform to reinforcing trust in democracy. Through speeches, community programs, and social media commentary, he continuously urges Americans to engage in the political process, from school board votes to Senate races.
Obama’s message after Judge Crawford’s win is consistent with this legacy. He doesn’t merely celebrate a Democratic victory; rather, he underscores how we must choose officials based on integrity and commitment to justice—not party allegiance.
For Obama, democracy is a living, breathing organism—one that requires nurturing. His public respect for independent judges reflects the broader ethos that democracy works only when every citizen, and every institution, plays its rightful role in good faith.
7. The Rising Importance of Local Elections in Shaping National Policy
Judge Crawford’s race is emblematic of a broader trend: the nationalization of local elections. In recent years, state and local races have become proxy battlegrounds for broader ideological fights. Think of school board elections contested over critical race theory, district attorney elections shaped by debates on criminal justice reform, or local ballot measures with national environmental implications.
Judicial races now fall squarely into this category. What happens in a Wisconsin courtroom can ripple out to influence national legal philosophies, especially as cases climb appellate ladders toward the Supreme Court.
This is why turnout in these elections is crucial. A well-informed, engaged electorate can no longer afford to ignore “off-year” races simply because they’re not as visible. Political awareness must stretch beyond the Oval Office and encompass every seat where power is exercised.
8. Civic Engagement and the Future of Judicial Integrity
The stability of democracy rests on active participation. Judge Susan Crawford’s victory, and Barack Obama’s support of it, serve as reminders that elections matter at every level—and even more so when institutional trust is under siege.
Judicial integrity requires not only good judges but also vigilant citizens. When people vote thoughtfully in judicial races, it signals a cultural shift—one where the importance of checks and balances is not just discussed in political science classrooms but acted upon by everyday citizens.
Activism, education, and outreach are the ingredients required to keep judicial integrity alive. Community organizations, educators, and journalists all have a role to play in making judicial elections more accessible, understandable, and relatable.
9. Final Thoughts: Sustaining Democracy One Vote at a Time
Barack Obama’s celebration of Judge Susan Crawford’s election win may seem like a small moment on the surface, but it is emblematic of something much larger: a call to protect the very systems that grant us liberty and justice. In pointing to her commitment to the rule of law and civil liberties, Obama is doing what he has always done best—inviting citizens to think bigger, act deeper, and engage more meaningfully in the democratic process.
Judge Crawford’s ascension to the bench is more than just a victory for Wisconsin—it’s a symbol of what can happen when citizens choose leaders grounded in democratic values. Her role will now be to administer justice impartially, but it is the role of the public to continue holding every branch of government accountable.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. If anything, Judge Crawford’s win and Obama’s words of encouragement prove that with every ballot, we shape the future—not just of our neighborhoods, but of our nation. Let her victory be a reminder that the law is only as strong as those who interpret it—and the voters who choose them.