Obama Preaches Pluralism, But Points Fingers at ‘One Side’ [WATCH]

Former President Barack Obama delivered his first remarks since the 2024 election at the Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum, voicing concerns about threats to democracy while taking thinly veiled jabs at Republicans.

With President-elect Donald Trump’s legal battles still ongoing, Obama warned against political actions that he claimed cross ethical lines, such as “suppressing votes,” “politicizing” the military, or “weaponizing” the judiciary to target political adversaries, as reported by Fox News.

Although Obama avoided naming specific individuals, his timing and tone were unmistakable.

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“You see, it’s easy to give democracy lip service when it delivers the outcomes we want. It’s when we don’t get what we want that our commitment to democracy is tested,” he said, in remarks that many interpreted as a critique of Trump and his supporters.

Obama’s remarks come at a time when many conservatives view the justice system as being wielded against Trump. The former president has faced numerous indictments and accusations, which many on the right see as politically motivated.

In stark contrast, despite calls from some Republicans to impeach President Biden, the GOP-led House has not acted decisively, a move that underscores their reluctance to mirror Democrat-led efforts against Trump during his presidency.

Trump, who was acquitted in the Senate during two failed impeachment attempts, continues to dominate the GOP landscape. The sharp legal focus on him has drawn significant criticism from his base, which sees it as part of a broader trend of weaponized governance.

During his speech, Obama advocated for “pluralism,” urging Americans to embrace democratic principles even in the face of ideological differences. “It means that in a democracy we all have to find a way to live alongside individuals and groups who are different than us,” he said.

However, critics note that Democrats, including Obama, have done little to practice what they preach. President Biden, for instance, stirred controversy earlier this year after seemingly referring to Trump supporters as “garbage.”

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Though Biden later attempted to clarify his comments, the rhetoric left many conservatives unconvinced of his calls for unity.

Obama also lamented the “increasing willingness” of political leaders and their followers to “violate democratic norms” through actions like targeting critics, journalists, and rivals.

Ironically, many conservatives argue that Democrats have engaged in the very tactics Obama criticized, from DOJ probes into political opponents to suppressing dissenting voices in the media.

Obama emphasized that building bridges, not divisions, is the “best tool” for effecting lasting change.

“Pluralism is not about holding hands and singing Kumbaya. It is not about abandoning your convictions and folding when things get tough. It is about recognizing that in a democracy power comes from forging alliances and building coalitions and making room in those coalitions not only for the woke but also for the waking.”

While Obama’s remarks are positioned as a call for unity, conservatives argue his definition of “pluralism” often excludes those with right-leaning values. For many, his speech represented more of the same partisan tone dressed in lofty rhetoric.