Some of the most insightful comments on the rise of Donald Trump have come not from the Republicans, the Democrats or from the press. They have come from President Obama. It is possible that some of the most devastating blows to Trump's campaign may also come from the sitting president.
President Obama has made it clear this year that he has nothing to lose. So far this year, he has taken on some of the country’s most divisive issues. He is moving swiftly through his bucket list with the clear intention of cementing his legacy as president. But now, he seems to be setting his sights on the elephant, or donkey, in the room: Donald Trump.
Obama has accomplished a lot. Yet, there is still a possibility that Donald Trump could overshadow Obama’s legacy.
This has little to do with Republican claims that Obama has created an atmosphere where candidates like Trump can thrive. Much blame for that lies with the Republicans. Ignoring their electorate for several decades has come back to haunt them. The party’s partisan tactic of blocking anything that comes from a Democrat, regardless of its merit, also does not help.
With Trump at the helm, Obama’s legacy will transform into something darker. Rather than being a reformer, history will remember him for presiding over a divided government and failing to prevent the descent into absolute chaos.
This chaos has resulted in a nationalist, populist revolt led by a reality TV star who put his face on a line of steaks.
Deserving or not, willing or not, this is the reality in 2016.
Thus, Obama has ramped up his efforts to ensure that the Donald does not darken his place in the history books. In a speech on Tuesday, Obama condemned the dangerous rhetoric against women and minorities. He encouraged Republicans to do the same.
He has also mentioned that the role of president is a “serious job." He made a point to remind the candidate that the president has to make life and death decisions that have nothing to do with a hosting a reality show.
Donald Trump will be one of the greatest tests of Obama’s presidency. He has just under a year to do his best to unite both parties against a common enemy.
According to Michael Ehline from Ehline Law Firm, it is unfair and incorrect to say that Obama played a major role in voters' total and complete devotion to the billionaire reality star. to say that Obama played a major role in voters' total and complete devotion to the billionaire reality star. But if he can play any role at all in the demise of Trump, he can cement his legacy and potentially even build upon it.
Obama’s calls to reject the rhetoric must be heard by Democrats and Republicans. Derailing Trump from the path to the general election is a bipartisan issue. That Trump should not be president is one thing that Democrats and many Republicans can agree on. If Obama can just get them to admit it, history may look upon him with kindness.