Michelle Obama Reflects on Challenging Year, Highlights Obama Foundation’s Impact
Former First Lady Michelle Obama took to social media recently to express how the past few months have been “difficult,” seemingly referencing the outcome of the November election.
“I know it’s been a difficult few months for so many of us — and folks are feeling a little bit anxious and uncertain. But this holiday season, there are plenty of reasons to stay hopeful,” she wrote.
“As 2024 comes to a close, I wanted to share some reflections on the work the @ObamaFoundation is doing to lift up young changemakers around the world. Take a look,” she added.
Barack Obama’s Speech Sparks Controversy Over Allegations of Hypocrisy
Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama raised eyebrows during his remarks at the Obama Foundation’s 2024 Democracy Forum last month. During his speech, Obama made a series of claims about Republicans that many critics argued were more reflective of actions taken by his own Democratic Party.
Some observers noted that if similar statements were made by a Republican, they would likely be dismissed as conspiracy theories or “false claims” about election fraud.
Others criticized Obama for what they perceived as hypocrisy, accusing Republicans of actions Democrats themselves have been accused of while in power — such as “weaponizing” the Justice Department and “politicizing” the military.
“Pluralism depends on everyone following a certain set of rules,” Obama said during the speech. “What happens when the other side has repeatedly and abundantly made clear they are not interested in playing by the rules?”
“There are going to be times, potentially, when one side tries to stack the deck and lock in [pause] a permanent grip on power,” he added, pausing mid-sentence as though aware he was approaching sensitive political territory.
“Either by actively suppressing votes, politicizing the Armed Forces, or using the judiciary and criminal justice system to target opponents,” he continued. “In those circumstances, a line has been crossed, and we have to stand firm, speak out, and organize.”
Critics Call Out Obama’s Remarks
Several users on social media were quick to point out the irony in Obama’s statements, suggesting they closely mirrored the actions of the Biden-Harris administration.
Actor Kevin Sorbo, known for his role in Hercules, commented that Obama “[a]lmost broke character for a sec.”
Conservative commentator Collin Rugg echoed Sorbo’s sentiment, noting that “the pause was telling.”
Reports Suggest Obama Played Key Role in Biden’s Decision to Step Down
Reports also suggest that Obama, along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, played a significant role in convincing President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race after his disastrous debate performance against now-President-elect Donald Trump in June.
Actor George Clooney, a close friend of Obama’s, reportedly feels betrayed after being used to push the narrative for Biden to step down.
“George is furious with Obama for disappearing after the election disaster and leaving him holding the bag for pushing the plan with his Hollywood pals,” an unnamed entertainment industry insider told RadarOnline in December.
Another source added, “George feels duped and vows he’s not going to be anyone’s political water boy anymore.”
Kamala Harris Reportedly Weighing Future Political Moves
In the aftermath of her defeat in the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly considering her next steps.
CNN’s Isaac Dovere revealed that Harris has privately told her supporters she is exploring the possibility of running for governor of California in 2026 or even launching another bid for the presidency in 2028.
Harris is also reportedly determined that her “final act” will not be certifying Donald Trump’s victory over her.
“We haven’t seen or heard much from Vice President Kamala Harris since she lost the election last month,” CNN’s Manu Raju reported, “but the Democratic Party is still reeling from Trump’s victory.”
