‘Take a seat’: Obama ripped for being on ‘high horse’ during first post-election speech
Former President Obama recently delivered his first speech since the presidential election at the Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum, where he addressed the issue of polarization in politics. In his speech, Obama warned against attempts by “one side” to solidify “a permanent grip on power” through tactics such as voter suppression, politicizing the military, and weaponizing the judiciary and criminal justice system to target opponents. He emphasized the importance of pluralism in democracy, highlighting the need for forging alliances, building coalitions, and making room for diverse perspectives.
Conservatives on social media wasted no time in criticizing Obama’s remarks. Journalist Miranda Devine declared that “it’s over for Obama,” attributing his downfall to President Trump’s victory. Conservative radio host Buck Sexton also chimed in, asserting that Obama’s status as a leader in the Democratic Party is fading. The criticism continued with Republican communicator Matt Whitlock accusing Obama of turning politics into a battleground where disagreement equates to being a “bad person.”
Author Jon Gabriel mocked Obama’s statement by suggesting that those who participated in democratic elections somehow hate democracy. The backlash against Obama’s speech underscored the deep political divide in the country, with many conservatives expressing their displeasure with his comments.
Despite the criticism, Obama remained steadfast in his belief that a renewed dedication to pluralist principles is essential for the survival of democracy. He warned against the increasing willingness of politicians and their followers to violate democratic norms, use state power to target critics, and resort to violence to gain and maintain power. Obama’s call for unity and cooperation in upholding democratic values resonated with some, while others viewed it as hypocritical coming from a former president who they believe contributed to the current political polarization.
In conclusion, Obama’s speech reignited the debate over the state of democracy in the United States and the role of political leaders in addressing polarization. While his remarks drew strong criticism from conservatives, they also sparked a conversation about the need for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to governance. As the country grapples with deep divisions, Obama’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic norms and values in the face of political challenges.
This article was written by Andrew Mark Miller, a reporter at Fox News. You can follow him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.
