Barack Obama Ripped For Being On “High horse” During First Post Election Speech

Conservatives on social media have sharply criticized former President Barack Obama following his first public speech since the 2020 presidential election. During his address at the Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum on Thursday, Obama expressed concerns about the increasing polarization in American politics and the dangers it poses to democracy. His remarks, however, did not sit well with many on the right, who quickly called him out for what they saw as hypocrisy and divisiveness.

Obama’s speech centered on the idea that political polarization has reached a dangerous point. He warned that if one political side attempts to solidify its power by engaging in practices like voter suppression, politicizing the military, or weaponizing the judiciary and criminal justice system to target opponents, “a line has been crossed.” For Obama, the preservation of democracy requires a commitment to pluralism, which he defined not as a “utopian” ideal or a way to soften disagreements but as a pragmatic approach to governance in a diverse society.”Pluralism is not about holding hands and singing ‘Kumbaya,’” Obama asserted.

 “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 the waking.”

He also cautioned against the dangers of ideological purity tests, saying they were not conducive to long term political success. However, his comments immediately sparked backlash from conservative figures on social media, many of whom felt that Obama’s speech was hypocritical given his past actions and the current political climate. Journalist Miranda Devine took to X, writing, “It’s over for Obama. The spell is broken. Donald Trump vanquished him, Biden, Harris, the Bushes, the Cheneys. All of them, with a spring in his step.” Devine’s post reflected a common conservative sentiment that Obama, along with other figures of the political establishment, has lost influence in the current political landscape, particularly after Trump’s rise to power.

Other conservative voices echoed similar sentiments. Radio host Buck Sexton criticized Obama’s past rhetoric and influence, posting, “Ever since his last-minute desperate smear of Trump with the ‘very fine people on both sides’ lie, Barack Obama has been slowly realizing his status as a false prophet of the Democrat party is no more.” This statement referred to Obama’s previous comments about the 2017 Charlottesville rally, which he had used to denounce Trump’s response to the event. Sexton suggested that Obama had played a role in shaping the current polarized political climate.

Republican communicator Matt Whitlock also weighed in, writing, “Obama turned our politics into ‘if you disagree with me, you are a bad person.’ Few people did more to pave the way for Trump. So he can take a seat.” Whitlock’s comment reflected a growing narrative that Obama’s presidency, particularly his divisive rhetoric and focus on identity politics, laid the groundwork for Trump’s populist rise.

Author Jon Gabriel also criticized Obama’s remarks, posting, “By voting in a democratic election, millions of people proved they hate democracy. Yes, this Obama fellow is quite the intellect.” Gabriel’s comment targeted Obama’s broader stance on democracy, implying that the people who voted for Trump were somehow undermining democratic principles.

In his speech, Obama also emphasized that the survival of democracy depended on a renewed dedication to pluralist principles. He argued that the alternative was not just political gridlock and public cynicism but a deeper erosion of democratic norms. “The increasing willingness among politicians and their followers to violate democratic norms” was a core concern, he said, adding that it could lead to the use of state power to target political rivals, journalists, and even ordinary citizens who disagree with the ruling party.

Despite the backlash, Obama remains convinced that a commitment to democracy and pluralism is essential for the future of the nation. Yet, his speech highlights the sharp political divisions that persist, with both sides accusing the other of undermining the very democratic principles Obama championed during his time in office. The discourse surrounding his recent comments reflects the growing ideological rift in American politics and the challenges facing those who seek to bridge these divides.