Former President Obama warned that a line is crossed if "one side" seeks a "permanent grip on power" by suppressing votes, politicizing the military, or weaponizing the judiciary. His remarks came during the Obama Foundation's Democracy Forum on Thursday, marking his first public speech since the 2024 election.
He noted that democracy is tested when outcomes aren't favorable. "It's easy to give democracy lip service when it delivers the outcomes we want. It's when we don't get what we want that our commitment to democracy is tested," Obama said.
Many Americans believe President-elect Trump has been unfairly targeted by politically motivated cases. During his presidency, Trump faced two failed impeachment attempts and has since been indicted multiple times, which critics have labeled as "lawfare."
Obama also called for a renewed focus on "pluralism." He explained, "It means that in a democracy we all have to find a way to live alongside individuals and groups who are different than us."
The speech followed contentious remarks by President Biden earlier this year. Many interpreted Biden's comments about Trump supporters as derogatory. He later clarified that he was referring to "hateful rhetoric" from Trump's Madison Square Garden rally.
Tensions remain high, with Democrats labeling Trump a "genuine danger to American security." Meanwhile, Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts leading up to the 2024 election.
Obama stressed the need for dedication to democratic norms. "The alternative is what we've seen: gridlock, public cynicism, and an increasing willingness to use state power to target critics, journalists, and rivals—even resorting to violence."
He urged for bridge-building as the "best tool" for lasting change. "Pluralism is not about holding hands and singing ‘Kumbaya.’ It is about forging alliances and making room for both the woke and the waking," Obama said.
The former president, who served two terms from 2009 to 2017, emphasized the need for unity to ensure democracy's survival.