'I wish you were still leading us': Obama birthday tributes get political amid back-to-back mass shootings
With all that was happening in our country over the weekend — and maybe because of it — some celebrities still made sure to pay tribute to Barack Obama on his birthday.
The former president turned 58 on Sunday — as the country awoke to learn there had been not one but two mass shootings the day before. As Trump offered “thoughts and prayers” — and later blamed the media for causing “anger and rage” to build up in this country — some of the birthday messages to Obama noted how much he was missed, especially “at times like this.”
In director Ava DuVernay’s post, she wrote, “At times like this, I wish you were still leading us. Actually, at all times, I wish you were leading us.”
Happy Birthday, Mr. President. At times like this, I wish you were still leading us. Actually, at all times, I wish you were leading us. But thankful for the time we had. Blessings to you and your family today, @BarackObama. And many more. pic.twitter.com/OvtJkSQZFh
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 4, 2019
Ellen DeGeneres is known for her jokes, but this wasn’t a funny one. The daytime talk show host said she misses Obama so much “my eyelashes hurt,” presumably from crying.
Happy birthday, @BarackObama. I miss you so much, my eyelashes hurt.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 4, 2019
Mark Hamill’s tribute pointed out Obama’s attributes while saying those things were lacking from Trump’s White House.
SHOUT OUT to @BarackObama for no particular reason other than your intelligence, leadership, dignity, decency & inclusiveness so sadly lacking in the White House today. pic.twitter.com/UmPfq4yjLS
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 4, 2019
Some others...
Two things you don’t see in the White House now. Integrity & books. Happy Birthday @BarackObama https://t.co/zk89jQvosq
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) August 4, 2019
Dear @BarackObama, it’s your birthday & I hope @MichelleObama & the girls are spoiling you. But our country aches for the latest victims of gun violence, as we also ache for a leader who can comfort us & lead us during dark times. I miss you every day #HappyBirthdayPresidentObama
— Tara Dublin (@taradublinrocks) August 4, 2019
On Monday, Trump held a press conference to address the two shootings Saturday — first in El Paso, Texas, and then in Dayton, Ohio. Shortly before, he took to Twitter to write that “something GREAT” can come out of shootings — and linked a background check bill to immigration reform.
We cannot let those killed in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, die in vain. Likewise for those so seriously wounded. We can never forget them, and those many who came before them. Republicans and Democrats must come together and get strong background checks, perhaps marrying....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019
....this legislation with desperately needed immigration reform. We must have something good, if not GREAT, come out of these two tragic events!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019
He also blamed the media.
The Media has a big responsibility to life and safety in our Country. Fake News has contributed greatly to the anger and rage that has built up over many years. News coverage has got to start being fair, balanced and unbiased, or these terrible problems will only get worse!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019
A total of 31 people were killed during the two shootings — and about 50 people injured. It all happened in less than 24 hours.
Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle’s newsletter.
