At the national level, Obama is almost certainly right that embracing YIMBY policies is good politics for Democrats. (Newsom's adoption of "abundance" rhetoric as he seemingly prepares for a presidential run is evidence that the governor thinks so as well.)

Former President Barack Obama has urged disillusioned Democrats to quit “navel-gazing” and “whining” in a call to stand firm against the Trump administration.

“It’s going to require a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” Mr. Obama said at a fund-raiser ...