Obama responds to Trump’s racist video

Former US President Barack Obama has opened up about a racist video shared by Donald Trump on his social media account about him and his wife Michelle Obama. In an interview with liberal podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama strongly criticized the current political situation, although he did not directly mention Trump by name.

He commented that the shame, decency and courtesy that once existed among government officials have now been completely lost. He believes that while ordinary Americans find such behavior very worrying, social media and television are currently just a 'hoax' or 'clown show'.

The controversial video was shared on Trump's 'Truth Social' account, which included a clip depicting the Obama couple as 'monkeys' along with baseless claims of fraud in the 2020 election. After the video was shared, it caused a strong reaction among Democrats as well as senior leaders of the Republican Party.

Even the only black Republican senator, Tim Scott, called it “the most racist act” ever committed by the current White House. Although the White House initially dismissed it as “fake outrage” by opponents, the post was later deleted and a staffer was blamed for it. Trump told reporters that he had not seen the offending part of the video and refused to apologize for it.

In a podcast interview, Obama said that the level of political discourse has dropped to the point it is now. He noted that racist attacks or divisive comments are often used as a publicity stunt or a distraction.

However, as a sign of hope, Obama said that during his travels across the United States, he met many people who still believe in courtesy, kindness and mutual respect. According to him, the sense of dignity and etiquette that used to exist among high-ranking figures has now disappeared.

In the interview, Obama not only discussed the controversy, but also peaceful protests against the immigration campaign, redistricting and the opening of his presidential library in Chicago next year.

The former president called on the American people to rise above political ugliness and cruelty and respect human values.

Source: BBC.