The Democrats are clearly looking to hurt Trump’s credibility – and that includes Obama

This won’t be the last time we’ll see the current and former president criticise each other before November’s election, writes Chris Stevenson

Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Barack Obama via Twitter (Getty)

There is clearly an election coming up. And Barack Obama has been sure, in his usual oblique style, to make sure everyone knows what he thinks of those in charge.

That may be being unfair, perhaps the former president just couldn’t take Donald Trump and his White House’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has faced vociferous criticism from many within the American political establishment, any more. Particularly given that President Trump has sought to blame his predecessor for the scale of the problem with Covid-19 in the US.

The graduation addresses that Obama gave this weekend were the perfect opportunity to make his feelings known. Other leading Democrats, like Hillary Clinton, have used similar platforms in recent years knowing it will bring media attention, but without deliberating going out to make the point on its own.

“More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge,” Obama said during an online commencement address to graduates of historically black colleges and universities on Saturday.

“Doing what feels good, what’s convenient, what’s easy – that’s how little kids think,” he said in a second virtual speech those graduating high school over the weekend. “Unfortunately, a lot of so-called grown-ups, including some with fancy titles and important jobs, still think that way”.

With the Democratic Party now all virtually behind Obama’s former vice president, Joe Biden, in his bid to oust Donald Trump from the White House – now is an important time for Obama to make public statements. Peter Navarro, a top economic adviser to Donald Trump, was clear about the White House’s thoughts when he said: “I’m glad Mr Obama has a new job as Joe Biden’s press secretary”.

The Democrats know that a united party is important if they are to do well in November’s presidential and Congressional elections, especially given the unprecedented situation the world is facing.

You can expect the Democrats to keep ratcheting up the pressure on President Trump as we move through the summer – particularly over the handling of the Covid-19 crisis. This certainly won’t be the last time we see an intervention from Obama as the months slide towards November.

Yours,

Chris Stevenson

Co-editor, Voices