Former President Barack Obama addressed African-American men in Pittsburgh on Thursday night, urging greater support for Vice President Kamala Harris compared to their backing of his 2008 and 2012 campaigns. During his speech, Obama made a joke about former President Donald Trump’s age with an audience member, which did not receive the intended reaction. While discussing the cost of home goods under Harris versus Trump, an attendee interrupted him, causing him to veer off-topic.
“Car seats, or diapers. I remember buying diapers,” Obama said as he mocked, scratching his head. “I remember the first time I went in the store, right after Malia was born. I was like what! That’s how much diapers cost? I remember changing diapers.” He asked the audience, “You think Donald Trump ever changed a diaper?” prompting laughs from the crowd.
“No! No chance!” some members yelled. “His own!” shouted another. With a toothy smile and a point of his finger, Obama shot back, “I almost said that! I but I decided I shouldn’t say it.” MSNBC broadcasted the speech live, allowing liberal viewers to enjoy Obama’s joke, but the internet did not react as kindly. Several X users went right after the Democratic leader for his foul humor. “Obama would know about changing diapers. He does for Joe,” one viewer wrote. Many others criticized 81-year-old President Joe Biden, who has sometimes struggled to sit down. One viewer ironically noted former First Lady Michelle Obama’s promise to “go high” when others go low. “They go low and we go low. Sad that a lot of adults do have to wear and change their own diapers. Really sad that Obama would stoop that low,” they wrote on X.
An upcoming book by renowned reporter Bob Woodward reportedly reveals how the Biden-Harris team placed blame on the Obama administration for the onset of the war in Ukraine with Russia. An excerpt from Woodward’s upcoming book, War, obtained by Axios and CNN, provides insights from those present with President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken as they discussed the reasons behind Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine.
Sources who spoke with Woodward about a July 4th meeting between the two noted that both were focused on the political risks Biden faced after a disastrous debate against Trump. What began as a book documenting the Ukraine War has expanded to include Israel’s conflict with Hamas and the overall burden of the presidency in addressing international conflicts.
In his near-real-time history, Woodward provides insights into Biden’s inner circle that would typically remain confidential for decades. After covering and documenting ten administrations, the former Watergate journalist has built a network of sources who have shared some of Biden’s recent frustrations with Obama.
Among these revelations is Biden’s admission to an advisor that Obama “never took Putin seriously,” referencing Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that the Russian president claims is part of his country’s original homeland. Although Obama imposed sanctions against Russia with bipartisan support, he ultimately refrained from using military force to prevent the invasion.
In contrast, Biden and his team suggested there was up to a 50% chance that Putin would resort to using nuclear weapons following the invasion of Ukraine. Publicly, the administration contends that the conflict has “weakened” the long-time adversary. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines informed the White House’s National Security Council this spring that Putin is estimated to have incurred around 200,000 military casualties and spent $200 billion on the war, according to Axios.
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