Obama's DNC speech was a reminder of how good we had it: 'Do not let them take away your democracy'

At the 2020 Democratic National Convention, America was finally reminded about what it was like to have a true leader again. Former President Barack Obama's speech left everyone feeling moved and inspired. Following his heartening address, citizens took to Twitter in order to rain down praise on the man who transformed the United States. Folks pointed out the marked difference between Obama's eloquence and the current commander-in-chief's lack of it, The Huffington Post reports. Taking a sharp turn from previous formal address, the former President chose to name Donald Trump explicitly, communicating that the time for niceties was now over.

Before shelling out criticism at Trump, Obama of course took a moment to appreciate the Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, his former vice-president. "12 years ago when I began my search for vice president, I didn't know I'd end up finding a brother," he stated. "For eight years, Joe was the last one in the room whenever I faced a big decision. He made me a better president—and he’s got the character and the experience to make us a better country." One could ask, however, if there is a rock bottom lower than the one we have dug ourselves to with a Trump presidency, so it really only is up from here. This election, as the former president noted, was about making sure America had the chance to move forward after four years of poor administration.

Then, it was time for hellfire. Not only did Obama claim that the incumbent president, his Republican successor, had "not grown into the job because he can't," he also stated that Trump had no interest in helping anyone but himself and his friends. Mere hours after his former top adviser Steve Bannon was arrested for doing exactly that, Obama's words could not have rung truer. "[Trump] has shown no interest in putting in the work, no interest in finding common ground," he affirmed. "No interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends. No interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves."

Over the past four years, he argued, Trump has threatened the country's democratic institutions. He finally implored, "Do not let them take away your power. Do not let them take away your democracy." If there was one person glued to Obama's speech and listening to every single, it would have been none other than Trump. As his predecessor's speech went on, he tweeted, "WHY DID HE REFUSE TO ENDORSE SLOW JOE UNTIL IT WAS ALL OVER, AND EVEN THEN WAS VERY LATE? WHY DID HE TRY TO GET HIM NOT TO RUN?" Yes, in all caps. The rest of the social media platform, nonetheless, was full of praise for the former President.

Celebrated journalist Dan Rather tweeted, "Powerful. Moving. He demonstrates once again why he was twice elected President. Whatever you thought of his tenure in office, there is no denying that he can summon forth an inspiring vision of the American story." Political commentator David Axelrod added, "Obama has given so many moving, meaningful speeches but perhaps none more than his message tonight. It will be reported as an assault on his successor. It will be remembered as a heartfelt and urgent plea for our democracy from a POTUS who palpably loves and values it." They were only two of the hundreds of Twitter users who applauded Obama's speech. His presidential excellence aside, he made one thing clear: if we are to ever expect our democracy to return to normal, we must vote out the man demolishing it.