An unwritten rule in the world of Presidential politics is former Presidents do not criticize the current President. It’s almost like the mindset of a fraternity. Granted, not all Presidents uphold this tradition. Jimmy Carter is a notable exception. He never shied away from offering his stupid opinions about Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush and George W. Bush. Bill Clinton upheld the tradition when GWB was President. George W. Bush despite always being blamed by President Obama for his troubles, even five to six years into his presidency, has remained gracious throughout Obama’s term, saying little about Obama’s lousy performance during his tenure.
Now comes word Barack Obama won’t try all that hard to keep his nose out of presidential politics once he leaves office. From the NY Times:
President Obama is rethinking his plans to withdraw from the political arena after he leaves office next year, hinting to friends and supporters that he wants to add his voice to the shellshocked Democratic activists and elected officials who are now angrily vowing to oppose Donald J. Trump’s presidency.
White House aides say they expect the president to try to refrain from criticism during the transition because of his belief in the importance of a courteous and dignified transfer of power. But while the president holds out hope that he might influence Mr. Trump, he has made it clear that once out of office he will not remain silent if Mr. Trump goes too far in undoing his legacy.
His legacy? What legacy? If he’s talking about Obamacare, he should be thanking Republicans for helping to fix the mess he and other Democrats created with this garbage law.
There are times I have commented on Donald Trump’s narcissism. The only person who matches Trump is President Obama. What kind of mindset does a person have that they telegraph they’re going to break protocol and criticize a sitting President?
That’s the worst part for Democratic and left-wing activists. Obama’s “help” will be all about him and defending his image — not his “legacy” — not about advancing the causes of the left or stopping Donald Trump.
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