'It's America that refuses to listen and learn'

A sign depicting former President Barack Obama is seen at a rally in Toronto on June 14, 2025.

Barack Obama 'already told Americans the truth'

(Image credit: Mike Campbell / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

published 7 July 2025

'Barack Obama is not your emotional support president'

Karen Attiah at The Washington Post

"America, no one is coming to save you. Especially not Barack Obama," says Karen Attiah. Humans are "hardwired to yearn for authority figures to tell them everything will be OK. And, for many, the emotional support figure par excellence will always be the 44th president." But "after a white majority elected Trump for the second time, it's Barack Obama, the first Black president, who has an obligation to comfort the nation?" Obama "already told Americans the truth."

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.