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Former President Barack Obama painted a somber picture of the days being dark for America’s political landscape, emphasizing that democracy in America needs an active involvement by the people to hold on to those core values on which it was founded. President Obama, in a short video he posted on social media, condemned extremist talk within the government and called for unity across political lines. Fresh on growing political tensions, the commentary from the former president created a great stir among the public.
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The nadir of Obama’s message lay in the delicateness of democratic structures. “Our democracy is not self-executing,” he said firmly in a calm tone. “It depends on all of us, as citizens, regardless of our political affiliations, to stand up and fight for the core values that have made this country the envy of the world.” His voice held a deep conviction with pauses so that the audience could breathe in the weight of the words.
Obama was deliberate in using the word “vermin” as an indictment of what is being said by political leaders today. “Extreme views never came to be in my White House,” he said; “I wasn’t embracing them. I wasn’t empowering them. I wasn’t putting the weight of the United States government behind extremist views. And that is the problem: when we do put the weight of the United States government behind extremist views.”
The video went viral in no time with opposing thousands of comments on the message and the longing for his style. Some remarks especially brought up the contrast of the still-ponderous manner of Obama’s deliveries with the hastened sound bites of politics today. One lamented how much “SPACE he leaves to THINK before he SPEAKS,” which prompted a discussion about the existence of purposeful rhetoric in leadership; a few users responded that the pace in which Obama speaks aids in the digestion and visualization of his message.
Several commenters said they miss Obama in political offices. “‘Dad, please come pick us up,’” noted a user to express feelings shared by many others who felt overwhelmed at present. The reaction was very emotional and received thousands of comments of agreement, such as “we are not having fun at the party anymore,” and “I’m on the corner with shoes in hand,” which went viral expressing shared political fatigue.
The former president’s appeal to values instead of partisan politics resonated with many other users. A user said, “A thoughtful, intelligent political voice.” “What a breath of fresh air whenever we get these moments of wisdom from our President Obama. We miss you!!!” Another wrote, “Eloquence. Don’t you miss it?” This very comment sparked numerous replies indicating that users continue to miss Obama’s style of communicating to this day.
There were also replies opposing the former president. Most questioned the legacy of the president, considering him to have created “racial unrest” during his services. These insults were answered very quickly by others defending Obama’s record and putting into question the credibility of those making the accusations. That exchange was presented as a testament to persisting political divides that Obama himself had referenced from within his message.
International viewers also responded, with some saying that they are still following Obama from Canada and South Africa and appreciate his leadership qualities. “I miss him and I am Canadian, living in Canada,” one user declared, attributing to Obama’s global appeal.
The former president cast this present moment as an “inflection point” worthy of active participation of the people. He insisted that democracy readily had to be fought for once again, and that values won’t sustain themselves without the vigilance of the public. This has today, to too many, resonated as a warning about the fragility of democracy and as a call for active participation.
Coming amidst a temporal setting of intense political polarization and extant debates about government and political discourse, Obama’s voice of moderation and attention to the common core of democratic values starkly alienated the generally reckless political narrative. The wide reception of his message spoke of the continued presence of interest in his views and an appreciation of his unique style of political communication.
Another comment, indexing, remarked, “You are a hero of our democracy by making sense of all we should value about our country.” It would seem that such a saying played into the responses to Obama’s message; appreciative commentaries of his remarks as well as lamentations for his style of leadership. The former president’s intervention placed himself amid ongoing debates regarding political tone, democratic values, and the responsibilities incumbent upon both leaders and citizens to keep democratic systems alive. Many also fondly remember the contributions of Michelle Obama during that era.
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In related news, Jesse Watters has recently made claims about the former administration. The Obamas have also recently discussed their relationship dynamics; Michelle Obama and Barack Obama playfully answered couple questions on a podcast. Furthermore, Michelle Obama announced a podcast with her husband focusing on topics of masculinity and empathy.