“Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t,” Obama said in the video. “And the consequences of that failure are severe. 170,000 Americans dead. Millions of jobs gone while those at the top take in more than ever. Our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished, and our democratic institutions threatened like never before.”
Obama used his prime time speech to directly criticize Trump’s time in the office, evaluating his mishandling the economic crisis, the pandemic and racial protests. Obama compared Trump’s presidency to a “reality show” and condemned him for having “no interest” in his job.
“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 he can use to get the attention that he craves,” Obama said.
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Obama also took a moment to highlight Biden’s best qualities – “empathy” and “decency” – to endorse him as the right candidate to lead the country.
“That empathy, that decency, the belief that everybody counts –that’s who Joe is,” Obama said of Biden.
“For eight years, Joe was the last one in the room whenever I faced a big decision. He made me a better president – and he’s got the character and the experience to make us a better country,” he added.
Former president also praised Kamala Harris, whom Biden chose as his running mate, an “ideal partner.”
Obama focused his speech on condemning Trump – for his attacks on anti-racism protestors, war with the press and his mishandling of the pandemic.
“None of this should be controversial. These shouldn’t be Republican principles or Democratic principles. They’re American principles. But at this moment, this president and those who enable him, have shown they don’t believe in these things,” Obama said.
He dwelled on the importance of preserving democracy in America and accused Trump of suppressing voting, as he repeatedly undermined in-mail voting and attempted to defund the USPS.
“This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that’s what it takes to win,” he said.
Remarkably, as Obama spoke, Trump live-tweeted attacks at Obama in capital letters, repeating his non-proven claim that Obama’s administration “spied” on his campaign.
“HE SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN, AND GOT CAUGHT!” Trump tweeted.
Trump also attacked Obama for not endorsing his former running mate until the primaries were effectively over.