Radio host Charlamagne tha God publicly criticized former President Barack Obama on Thursday, following Obama's recent comments suggesting that former President Donald Trump behaves differently in private than he does publicly. Charlamagne implied that a similar observation could be made about Obama himself.
Obama's Podcast Remarks on Trump
Obama's remarks came during an appearance on the "All the Smoke" podcast, hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. He was asked about Trump's apparent "fascination" with him and how he handles the "negativity and the racism" directed his way. Trump frequently targets Obama in his social media posts and public speeches.
"You have to ask him what it is that... the obsession is," Obama responded. "I clearly occupy a space in his mind, a suite in his head."
In another segment of the podcast, Obama suggested that Trump's demeanor in private conversations differed significantly from his public persona.
"I believe in open dialogue," Obama explained. "So if this individual — whoever you were discussing — were in front of me, which has occurred a couple of times, he doesn't speak like that because he knows better."
Charlamagne's Counterpoint and Criticism
"I simply didn't grasp his meaning, unless he was referring to their casual interaction at the [Jimmy] Carter funeral," the radio personality stated. "But to me, that dynamic works both ways. You were also engaging in friendly conversation with him, because, by the way, Trump has been saying outrageous things about you, brother, and about your wife. Yet, you were just there, chatting cordially with him at President Carter's funeral. So, I contend it's a mutual situation. Neither of you displays that same confrontational energy in each other's presence, at least from what was publicly observed." The term "kikiing" is an informal slang expression often used to describe relaxing or gossiping.
Charlamagne was referencing an interaction between Obama and Trump at the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter, where they were seen speaking and, at times, smiling and laughing together. Former First Lady Michelle Obama was not present at the event.
"So when I heard President Obama utter those words, my thought was, 'Well, the exact same could be said for you,'" Charlamagne continued. "None of you maintain that consistent image. We even saw President Biden say, 'Welcome home to Donald Trump.' So, it's just, what exactly are you all doing? I couldn't understand that particular point. It just sounded like a clever remark for a podcast."
Perceived Hypocrisy and Previous Remarks
Charlamagne reiterated his belief that Obama's comments were merely designed to sound impressive on a podcast. "It sounds good on a podcast, alright? It goes viral," he remarked. "But when you truly step back and analyze it, none of you exhibit that same confrontational energy toward each other when you meet. That's what confuses us, because we think, 'Well, damn. I thought this was the big, bad boogeyman telling us this guy is a threat to democracy,' which I personally believe he is, but still."
The radio host had previously voiced criticism regarding Obama's cordiality with Trump, specifically after their friendly exchange at Carter's funeral. He accused the former president of engaging in "footsie" with Trump at that time.
