Without Mentioning Trump, Obama Cites Hitler In Talk On Nationalism
Former President Barack Obama Image by Getty
By Ari Feldman December 7, 2017
At a recent talk, former President Barack Obama warned U.S. citizens not to “grow complacent,” citing the rise of Adolph Hitler in Germany’s culturally progressive Weimar Republic, Crain’s reported.
The remarks came during a Q&A session at a meeting of the Economic Club of Chicago on Tuesday.
“We have to tend to this garden of democracy or else things could fall apart quickly,” Obama said. “That’s what happened in Germany in the 1930s which, despite the democracy of the Weimar Republic and centuries of high-level cultural and scientific achievements, Adolph Hitler rose to dominate.”
Without mentioning Donald Trump by name, Obama also alluded to the rise of “nativism” in the U.S.
Obama’s stark statements comparing the U.S. with pre-Nazi Germany were mixed in with remarks on the economy and the threat of ebola.
“Sixty million people died,” Obama said of World War II. “So, you’ve got to pay attention. And vote.”
Contact Ari Feldman at [email protected] or on Twitter @aefeldman
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
