Obama Describes Wednesday Violence As ‘A Moment Of Great Dishonor And Shame For Our Nation’

Former President Barack Obama has described the violent attack at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as an “unsurprising” effect of two months of instigation by President Donald Trump and his supporters.

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“History will rightly remember today’s violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation. But we’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.

“For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem have too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth, that this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20.

“Their fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we’re seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo,” said Obama.

Mr Obama, however, grouped a larger number of Republicans in his statement for their assumed role in inciting the disorder, as many of them have supported President Trump’s claim of election malpractice.

“Right now, Republican leaders have a choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America.”

Speaking on Republicans’ reaction following the insurrection in the nation’s capital, Obama said he had been “heartened” to see many Republicans condemned the act.

Mr Obama said, “Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia who’ve refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honourably.

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“We need more leaders like these right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-Elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics. It’s up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal.”