President Obama’s implicit support of Labor Secretary Tom Perez in the race for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship has put him at odds with the progressive and Democratic establishment leaders who back Rep. Keith Ellison, setting Obama up for a post-presidency battle over the future of his party.

While most presidents have focused on philanthropy, their memoirs or advocacy after leaving the White House, Obama has signaled his intention to remain deeply involved in Democratic politics when he leaves office Jan. 20.