Obama: Those in power are trying to 'undermine every institution or norm that gives democracy...

[DonViejo]

Source: The Hill



Obama: Those in power are trying to 'undermine every institution or norm that gives democracy meaning'

BY JACQUELINE THOMSEN - 07/17/18 11:03 AM EDT

Former President Obama on Tuesday appeared to offer a wide-ranging rebuke of President Trump, saying that “those in power seek to undermine every institution or norm that gives democracy meaning."

Obama, delivering the 2018 Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg, warned that “strongman politics are ascending suddenly, whereby elections, some pretense of democracy, are maintained, the form of it.” He referenced “strange and uncertain” times, saying that “each day’s news cycle is bringing more head-spinning and disturbing headlines.”

One of his most direct criticisms toward Trump administration was over the withdrawal from the Paris climate deal, saying that he can't "find common ground" with people who claim that climate change is a hoax, "when almost all the world’s scientists say it is." And he also spoke about leaders who "completely make stuff up" in another apparent jab at Trump, saying that facts need to be upheld in order for democracy to thrive.

"We see the utter loss of shame in political leaders when they’re caught in a lie and they just double down and lie some more," Obama said, warning that the undermining of facts and reality could "be democracy's undoing."

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/news/397410-obama-those-in-power-are-trying-to-undermine-every-institution-or-norm-that

[Blue Owl]

1. The sound of a REAL president

[mcar]

2. Wonderful and sad to hear a real statesman

I miss President Obama and normalcy.

[elmac]

3. I only wish

President Obama would have told the turtle to go to hell and announce that Russia was interfering with the elections before the elections. Now, any statement made, any anger shown by any good leaders will not change the fact that putin owns ameriKa.

[lagomorph777]

5. +1. The situation was way too dangerous to be treated politely.

[elmac]

7. we haven't lived in a true Democracy since the 80's

and now we are solidly a fascist capitalist society.

[pbmus]

8. Run by oligarchs...

[Sunlei]

6. THE LION KING

[JuJuYoshida]

9. goddamn I miss him

[riversedge]

10. And he also spoke about leaders who "completely make stuff up" tHAT BE TRUMPY.