Does President Obama realize these aren't normal times? He needs to critique his successor

[GusFring]

The fact that Trump has released a few black drug offenders for good press, while appointing the most unqualified far right nuts to the bench that will throw young blacks in jail anyway. How powerful would it be if Obama just said that.

[lunatica]

2. President Obama will not start a precedent that will be so destructive

Ex Presidents don’t criticize their successors because it’s very bad policy, divisive, and dangerous. It also involves the peaceful transfer of power. You can see how divisive and destructive Trump has been involving Americans. Most Presidents believe their job is to represent and work for ALL Americans. Obama did, and I believe Biden will too.

No President wants to be constantly undercut by another President. It’s counterproductive.

Remember that Obama was talking on the phone privately. Someone else released the conversation. It was not said for public consumption.

[GusFring]

4. No ex president want to be threatened with jail and other crap. NT

[Budi]

6. Yes. THIS. It has always been protocol & for a reason of Nat Sec also.

"Ex Presidents don’t criticize their successors because it’s very bad policy, divisive, and dangerous..."

[SoonerPride]

7. And do you think ex-president trump will stay silent?

Please.

[lunatica]

9. Is he's a typical president?

He doesn’t get to start a precedent that other Presidents should adopt. On the contrary, his example will be used forevermore as the example of what not to do. Not only as President but as a businessman, a family man or any other role he plays.

[mobeau69]

8. 3,000 people on the call. You don't think Obama knew it would get out?

He knew.

[lunatica]

10. Did he name a Trump specifically.

[secondwind]

3. It's not his style... He has a way with words, that's for sure...

[Poeraria]

5. He should campaign for Biden, but never say a word about Trump.

Never even acknowledge that he exists.

Tout Biden and the administration's successes and contrast with current policies, but never mention Trump.

It will drive him up a tree, and cause him to write the most absurd tweets.

Trump's tweets and meltdowns compared to Biden and Obama's class and confidence will be obvious.

[Crunchy Frog]

11. I'm pretty sure that he realizes this.

[abqtommy]

12. President Obama is getting there. You can be sure that he's aware of what happened to

Jeffrey Epstein, tRUMP's "friend" now deceased while in custody. I hope Barack still has Secret Service protection...

[Hekate]

13. Your criticism is such an echo of all those here during Obama's administration accusing him of ....

..."caving" to this or that person, or pseudo-cleverly of "spelunking." Also the accusation of him throwing numerous groups "under the bus." These people were so bitter they had their minds made up before Obama was even sworn in.

You've given me a walk down memory lane, that's for sure.

It certainly looks as though for some people, Barack Obama can do nothing right, even as a private citizen, which he is now. I don't mean to pick on you -- you are not alone in your opinion by any means.

By the way, are you tuning in tomorrow for his Graduation speech? Looking forward to your thoughts on the adequacy of that very public presentation.