Speaking to the Connecticut Forum in Hartford, the former president called for institutions, law firms, universities, members of both parties, and even Justice Department figures to make “uncomfortable” sacrifices to defend a democracy he argued is increasingly under fire in President Donald Trump’s second term. He suggested, without ever using Trump’s name, that the US was “dangerously close” to a more autocratic government.
“What’s happening is that we now have a situation in which all of us are going to be tested in some way, and we are going to have to then decide what our commitments are,” Obama said, according to a transcript of his remarks provided by his office.
“It will be uncomfortable for a time, but that’s how you know it’s a commitment – because you do it when it’s hard, not just when it’s easy, not just when it’s trendy, not just when it’s cool.”
Obama specifically cited how law firms that don’t cow to Trump will have to accept reduced billings — “which means you cannot remodel that kitchen in your house in the Hamptons this summer” — and businesses that resist the administration’s bullying may have to deal with retribution like politically oriented investigations or mergers being held up.
He even twice pointed to people who work in Trump’s Justice Department, painting them as a bulwark in upholding the Constitution in the face of the president’s threats.
It was a significant call for a broad-scale resistance from the most popular and significant Democratic figure of the 21st century. And it comes at an important time, as the grassroots have risen up in protest like they haven’t since the start of Trump’s first term, but as the party still faces a remarkable leadership vacuum.
His appearance, however, was also somewhat discordant.
If you haven’t heard much about Obama’s comments, there’s a reason for that. He chose to deliver them at an event at which audio and video recordings were prohibited. If the idea was to disseminate this clarion call to the broader public, it was a weird choice of venues.
Obama never uttered the word “Trump” once. Throughout his remarks, it was clear what he was talking about. But he opted for broad generalities rather than specifics about who and what are threatening democracy.
He did include winks and nods to what everyone likely knew he was talking about.
“I mean, if you follow regularly what is said by those who are in charge of the federal government right now, there is a weak commitment to … our understanding of how a liberal democracy is supposed to work,” Obama said.
He also warned about government being “captured by those who, let’s say, have a weak attachment to democracy.”
After some cheers and applause, Obama said, “Well, I don’t even think that’s a controversial statement at this point … It was a controversial statement; now it is self-acknowledged.”
But is it self-acknowledged? Perhaps in a room full of people who would turn out to see Barack Obama.
