Barack Obama Fiercely Criticized Trump in an Unprecedented DNC Speech
Barack Obama's remarks during the third night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention were uncharacteristically dark. While former presidents generally refrain from criticizing their successors, Obama didn't hold back. Speaking just before Kamala Harris officially accepted her nomination as the vice presidential candidate, he roundly criticized President Trump's leadership.
“I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president,” Obama said. “I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies. I did hope, for the sake of our country, that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously, that he might come to feel the weight of the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care. But he never did."
Speaking from Philadelphia, Obama continued: “For close to four years now, he’s shown no interest in putting in the work; no interest in finding common ground; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves.”
Ultimately, Obama said: “Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t." He went on to explain the consequences: “170,000 Americans dead. Millions of jobs gone while those at the top take in more than ever. Our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished, and our democratic institutions threatened like never before.”
Many speakers at this year's virtual DNC have fiercely criticized Trump. Michelle Obama described him as “the wrong president for our country.” Senator Elizabeth Warren said that Trump's “ignorance and incompetence have always been a danger to our country.” And during her acceptance speech, Kamala Harris said that Trump's “failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods.”
Closing out his remarks, Barack Obama urged viewers to look toward the future—and ensure their voice is heard in the upcoming election.
“Make a plan right now for how you’re going to get involved and vote,” he said.
Originally Appeared on Glamour
