Obama blasts 'politics of division' on return to campaign trail

[webfact]

Obama blasts 'politics of division' on return to campaign trail

By John Whitesides

 

Former U.S. President BarackObama campaigns in support of Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam, Democratic candidate for governor, at a rally with supporters in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. October 19, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

 

(Reuters) - Former President Barack Obama, back on the campaign trail on Thursday for the first time since he left the White House, called on voters to reject a growing "politics of division" that he said was corroding American democracy.

 

Without mentioning Republican President Donald Trump by name, Obama told campaign rallies in New Jersey and Virginia that voters could send a powerful message about the type of politics they want by backing Democrats in Nov. 7 elections in the two states.

 

"What we can’t have is the same old politics of division that we have seen so many times before, that dates back centuries," Obama told a cheering crowd in Newark, New Jersey, that chanted: "Four more years."

 

"Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed. That’s folks looking 50 years back," Obama said. "It’s the 21st century, not the 19th century."

 

At a later stop in Richmond, Virginia, Obama said modern politics increasingly did not reflect basic American values of inclusiveness and were driving people away from the process.

 

"We've got folks who are deliberately trying to make folks angry, to demonize people who have different ideas, to get the base all riled up because it provides a short-term tactical advantage. Sometimes that feels frustrating," Obama said.

 

Many of Obama's comments appeared to be thinly veiled swipes at Trump, whose combative style and inflammatory rhetoric have led to frequent controversy and stoked political tensions.

 

Obama made the remarks just hours after former President George W. Bush, a Republican, also took an indirect swing at Trump with a speech decrying "bullying and prejudice" while defending immigrants and trade.

 

Obama's appearances were aimed at driving up Democratic turnout in New Jersey and Virginia, the only two states holding elections for governor this year. Democrats hope Obama can bring some of the young, minority and infrequent voters who powered his two elections to the White House out to the polls in off-year elections.

 

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The two contests will be closely watched to see if Democrats can convert the grassroots resistance to Trump into electoral wins after falling short earlier this year in four competitive special congressional elections.

 

The governor's races, and a special election in December for a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama, could offer clues to the national political mood ahead of next year's congressional elections, when all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 of the Senate's 100 seats will be up for grabs. Republicans currently control both chambers.

 

Since leaving the White House in January, Obama has frequently been forced to defend his record as Trump and Republicans have tried to gut his signature healthcare law and roll back his immigration and environmental policies.

 

While he has rarely spoken out about politics in the past nine months, Obamasaid it was critical that supporters get their friends and families to vote.

 

In Newark, he said no one should assume victory just because opinion polls show Phil Murphy, a former investment banker and U.S. ambassador to Germany, has a comfortable lead on Republican opponent Kim Guadagno, the state's lieutenant governor.

 

"I don't know if you all noticed that, but you can't take any election for granted," he said in a reference to Democrat Hillary Clinton's surprise loss last year in the presidential race.

 

In the political battleground of Virginia, polls show a close contest between Democrat Ralph Northam, the state's lieutenant governor, and Republican Ed Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee chairman who has been endorsed by Trump.

 

Obama carried Virginia in both 2008 and 2012, and Democrat Hillary Clinton won the state over Trump by 5 percentage points in 2016.

 

(Reporting by John Whitesides in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-10-20

[Becker]

Pay attention all you supporters of the man-child; this is what it sounds like when a grownup is talking.

[Grouse]

Excellent orator!

[aright]

He never mentioned Trumps name once but everyone knew he was talking about. He had that audience in the palm of his hand. Excellent speech!

[craigt3365]

Obama may not have been perfect, but he's spot on here.  Great speech.  Time those in power start going after Trump aggressively.

[dcutman]

17 hours ago, webfact said:

"We've got folks who are deliberately trying to make folks angry, to demonize people who have different ideas, to get the base all riled up because it provides a short-term tactical advantage. Sometimes that feels frustrating," Obama said.

Sounds like he is talking about the Democrat establishment, himself and the sore looser included.

[FreddieRoyle]

 The most divisive ex President ever should just shut up and go away. He had his turn, the world is a much more dangerous place thanks to it. Now it's Donald's turn to undo Obama's mess and try to put the planet back on an even keel. Obama keeping on trying to get back into the limelight is as embarrassing as it is pathetic. 

 

On the plus side, his interference is reminding most Americans why they voted Republican in the last election, and his and Clinton's transparent shenanigans guarantee Trumps victory next time also.

[mamypoko]

42 minutes ago, FreddieRoyle said:

I daren't attach the wonderful pic of the American map showing how the counties voted as CNN or approved sources(read extreme left) didn't show it - funny that!  It is a sea of red, with the tiny coastal strips blue. It shows exactly what the American's wanted, and no it wasn't more Weekend at Bernies bunkum.

A sea of Russian Red ads and trolls riled up the landlocked bumpkins. 

[craigt3365]

2 hours ago, FreddieRoyle said:

 The most divisive ex President ever should just shut up and go away. He had his turn, the world is a much more dangerous place thanks to it. Now it's Donald's turn to undo Obama's mess and try to put the planet back on an even keel. Obama keeping on trying to get back into the limelight is as embarrassing as it is pathetic. 

 

On the plus side, his interference is reminding most Americans why they voted Republican in the last election, and his and Clinton's transparent shenanigans guarantee Trumps victory next time also.

Exactly.  The most divisive president we've ever had should just shut up and stop with the tweets.  The world is a much more dangerous place due to him.  Sadly, we're stuck with Trump for a few more years.

 

Obama's mess?  The best performing stock market on record.  A huge drop in unemployment numbers.  Great president.  And all Trump does is go after his legacy.  Whether it's good or not.  Horrible thing to do.

 

Most voted Republican in the last election because Trump lied to them! LOL.  They're not going to be fooled again....

[Scott]

Off-topic posts and replies removed.  

 

[Grouse]

1 hour ago, phantomfiddler said:

But hang on, wasn,t this lying sack of fecal matter the one who created the dismal degree of division in America in the first place ?

I refer the honourable gentleman to the American Civil War.

 

I suggest that we give them 100 years of isolation and then come back and see how they're doing.

 

 

[dave_boo]

3 hours ago, mamypoko said:

A sea of Russian Red ads and trolls riled up the landlocked bumpkins. 

Isn't that sentiment exactly what Obama was talking about?

[Silurian]

Well, now I can finally relate to the Make America Great Again slogan. How I miss the good old Obama days when the USA was on top of the world morally. It is amazing how low the current administration is willing to go to save face. It is truly a sad state of affairs the USA is in now.

 

Too bad that Obama can't have another 4 more years. Hopefully someone (anyone) can come along and repair all the damage that the current reality TV pseudo-President is inflicting and bring America back on the track that Obama rightfully set it on.

 

[mike324]

When Obama gave voice to minorities while he was president, anti-Obamas claim he was dividing the country. When Trump shouts racist and insensitive comments, pro-Trump says he is making America great again. The world that we live in now.

 

To those pro-trump supportes here, please explain how Trump can unite the country being such a great leader you guys are claiming? How his current policies will benefit the masses? healthcare? tax reform?

[mamypoko]

2 hours ago, dave_boo said:

Isn't that sentiment exactly what Obama was talking about?

Guilty as charged. 

[bkkgriz]

Good to see Obama following Saul Alinsky's playbook to the letter. If anyone knows about divisive politics it's the former BLM supporting, ISIS arming, drone bombing scumbag in chief. Go away Obama. Your globalist pals are losing their grip and there is nothing you can do about it.

[selftaopath]

On 10/20/2017 at 2:40 PM, Becker said:

Pay attention all you supporters of the man-child; this is what it sounds like when a grownup is talking.

I saw a video of G.W. Bush's recent speech. I thought he sounded like a Rhodes Scholar compared to the Russia mole in the WH. Both Bush and Obama seem to be voicing a warning a/b the anti democratic, pro Putin, would be dictator (45). 

 

Slowly 45 is attaching our institutions and putting lackeys in various positions of government. America.... we are under threat from within and without. Take heed. Or 45 will totally destroy what we hold dear. 

[selftaopath]

9 hours ago, craigt3365 said:

Obama may not have been perfect, but he's spot on here.  Great speech.  Time those in power start going after Trump aggressively.

If only.....

[jackh]

LOL, best thing that could happen to the GOP! Obama coming out of his closet. I hope he keeps at it. Clinton should join in as well. HAHA

[KMartinHandyman]

Where did I hear “Elections have consequences”?

[riclag]

20 hours ago, Silurian said:

Well, now I can finally relate to the Make America Great Again slogan. How I miss the good old Obama days when the USA was on top of the world morally. It is amazing how low the current administration is willing to go to save face. It is truly a sad state of affairs the USA is in now.

 

Too bad that Obama can't have another 4 more years. Hopefully someone (anyone) can come along and repair all the damage that the current reality TV pseudo-President is inflicting and bring America back on the track that Obama rightfully set it on.

 

Action's speaks louder than words.America can't afford to draw lines in the sand or press ridiculous red reset button's anymore.He had his turn! He failed miserably. American's voted for change! It's that simple! I won't denied his gift to gab . A very inspiring speaker 

[Becker]

13 minutes ago, riclag said:

 American's voted for change!

And look what that brought them.....

[craigt3365]

24 minutes ago, riclag said:

Action's speaks louder than words.America can't afford to draw lines in the sand or press ridiculous red reset button's anymore.He had his turn! He failed miserably. American's voted for change! It's that simple! I won't denied his gift to gab . A very inspiring speaker 

He started the longest bull market in history, reduced unemployment better probably any other president, took over the country as it was in the early stages of a financial meltdown, which he solved.  He did an impressive job.  Sad some done see that due to political leanings.

[riclag]

15 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

He started the longest bull market in history, reduced unemployment better probably any other president, took over the country as it was in the early stages of a financial meltdown, which he solved.  He did an impressive job.  Sad some done see that due to political leanings.

American's wanted change! Why wasn't his  impressiveness(social and Democratic ideology) carried over to the most "qualified candidate" for another 8 year's? You can demonize Trump and the right till hell freezes over  but that still doesn't change what American's voted for .

 

He was the most least liked candidate ever to run for the Presidency.She(HC) and them(Establishment) still couldn't beat his message. Message of Change .

[dave_boo]

30 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

He started the longest bull market in history, reduced unemployment better probably any other president, took over the country as it was in the early stages of a financial meltdown, which he solved.  He did an impressive job.  Sad some done see that due to political leanings.

His leadership did have a net positive for the country but before awarding  (quite possibly correctly though) the biggest decrease in unemployment please ensure that changes to the definition aren't clouding that stat. 

[craigt3365]

9 minutes ago, riclag said:

American's wanted change! Why wasn't his  impressiveness(social and Democratic ideology) carried over to the most "qualified candidate" for another 8 year's? You can demonize Trump and the right till hell freezes over  but that still doesn't change what American's voted for .

 

He was the most least liked candidate ever to run for the Presidency.She(HC) and them(Establishment) still couldn't beat his message. Message of Change .

American's wanted political changes.  Which they didn't get.  Trump lied when he said he'd drain the swamp.  He's filling it faster than any other president in history.

 

Remember, he didn't get elected by a majority of voters.  But yes, it was made easier for him by the lousy choice of HRC by the dems.

 

I could care less about left or right.  That's one of the big problems today.  People affiliate themselves with these definitions.  It's about what's best for the country.  Not one party or another.

 

Trump's done nothing to make America a better country.  He's just making it worse.  Give me just one example of what's he's accomplished so far. 

[craigt3365]

6 minutes ago, dave_boo said:

His leadership did have a net positive for the country but before awarding  (quite possibly correctly though) the biggest decrease in unemployment please ensure that changes to the definition aren't clouding that stat. 

I'm well aware of the different categories of unemployment.  All are at record lows.  And way down from when Obama took office. 

 

Spoke to a friend in the US yesterday.  He said the place is rocking.  Sure, many are struggling with minimum wages, but at least they've got a job or can get one if they want.

[riclag]

6 minutes ago, craigt3365 said:

American's wanted political changes.  Which they didn't get.  Trump lied when he said he'd drain the swamp.  He's filling it faster than any other president in history.

 

Remember, he didn't get elected by a majority of voters.  But yes, it was made easier for him by the lousy choice of HRC by the dems.

 

I could care less about left or right.  That's one of the big problems today.  People affiliate themselves with these definitions.  It's about what's best for the country.  Not one party or another.

 

Trump's done nothing to make America a better country.  He's just making it worse.  Give me just one example of what's he's accomplished so far. 

  To your point.Voting for President is decided on the Electoral College System.The majority doesn't count ,it's been that way for over 200+ year's.Trump has been in office for only 10 month's. Change doesn't happen in 10 month's.

 

I'm trying to stay on topic. Please google, How many democratic seats were lost in 2016.This will support the Message, that American's want change. 

 

Obama and Clinton's message failed to unite the key states of Wisconsin Michigan and Pennsylvania.Most importantly they couldn't convince the Independent voter's there, to vote for 8 more years of the same ideology.

 

[craigt3365]

5 minutes ago, riclag said:

  To your point.Voting for President is decided on the Electoral College System.The majority doesn't count ,it's been that way for over 200+ year's.Trump has been in office for only 10 month's. Change doesn't happen in 10 month's.

 

I'm trying to stay on topic. Please google, How many democratic seats were lost in 2016.This will support the Message, that American's want change. 

 

Obama and Clinton's message failed to unite the key states of Wisconsin Michigan and Pennsylvania.Most importantly they couldn't convince the Independent voter's there, to vote for 8 more years of the same ideology.

 

Well aware of the electoral college.  Only 5 presidents in history have NOT won the popular vote.  Trump is one of the few. 

 

Change does happen in 10 months.  Look at what Obama did in 10 months.  Saved the US from a meltdown.

 

Wisconsin and Michigan were 2 states bombarded with ads paid for by Russia.  Divisive ads designed to influence the voters.  Did they succeed?  Perhaps so.

 

I suggest Trump won due to have a lousy counterpart on the democratic side.  Hard not to win when you're up against her! LOL

[selftaopath]

1 hour ago, riclag said:

American's wanted change! Why wasn't his  impressiveness(social and Democratic ideology) carried over to the most "qualified candidate" for another 8 year's? You can demonize Trump and the right till hell freezes over  but that still doesn't change what American's voted for .

 

He was the most least liked candidate ever to run for the Presidency.She(HC) and them(Establishment) still couldn't beat his message. Message of Change .

HRC had more Americans vote for her than 45. HRC had the entire Russia cyber unit against her and pro Trump. I can not understand how 45's defenders can stand w/ him when he choosed Russia/Putin over America and the U.S. Constitution?