International Desk: Former President Barack Obama delivered a searing critique of his successor, President Donald Trump, during his keynote address at the virtual Democratic National Convention.
.@BarackObama understands the enormous stakes of this election – and he knows better than anyone that @JoeBiden is exactly the leader we need for this moment.
Like or retweet and we’ll let you know as soon as he’s live at tonight’s #DemConvention! pic.twitter.com/97eOYXFZJW
— 2020 #DemConvention ???????? (@DemConvention) August 19, 2020
Former vice president Joe Biden is already the Democratic presidential nominee. Obama said that both Biden and Harris have the experience needed to get things done and they have concrete policies that will turn their vision of a better, fairer, stronger country into reality.
But he had some very harsh words for President Trump who is seeking re-election in the November 3 presidential polls.
“I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president. I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies,” Obama said.
Obama said that he had hoped that Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously But he never did.
“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”, Obama said in unusually strong criticism of Trump during his remarks.
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.
“Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t”, Obama said, giving his address from Philadelphia.
Obama said the consequences of Trump’s failure as President have been severe with more 170,000 Americans died due to the coronavirus and loss of millions of jobs while those at the top have raked in more wealth.
Our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished, and our democratic institutions threatened like never before, Obama said.
“A nation that stands with democracy, not dictators. A nation that can inspire and mobilize others to overcome threats like climate change, terrorism, poverty, and disease”, he said.
Obama asserted that both Biden and Harris believe that no one including the president is above the law and that no public official including the president should use their office to enrich themselves or their supporters.
