Former President Trump surprised many critics Wednesday night by praising former President Barack Obama, despite their political differences.
Speaking to CNN, Trump remarked, "I like him," referring to Obama.
He added, "I think he’s a nice gentleman, but he was very weak on trade… I happen to like him. I respect him and I respect his wife."
CNN reporter Jamie Gangel, during a panel discussion, reacted by asking, "Who is that man?"
CNN anchor John King also expressed surprise, recalling an interview with Trump on the day Obama released his Hawaiian birth certificate under pressure from Trump.
Later, Obama’s comments during the Democratic National Convention sharply contrasted with Trump’s words.
Obama amused the crowd with what seemed like an obscene gesture, joking about Trump’s obsession with crowd sizes.
Obama quipped, "Here’s a 78-year-old billionaire who has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago."
He continued, "There’s the childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes."
Former first lady Michelle Obama also took shots at Trump, referring to his claim that illegal immigration disproportionately affects minorities.
Michelle asked the DNC crowd who would inform Trump that "the job he’s currently seeking might be one of those Black jobs."
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley commented on the contrast, saying the DNC is no longer "Barack Obama’s Democrat Party."
Whatley added, "Kamala Harris is even more dangerously liberal… pushing to end private health insurance, impose the Green New Scam, and spearhead wasteful spending that has driven inflation."