‘It Was My Economy!’ Obama Criticizes Trump’s Economic Claims at Pennsylvania Rally
Former President Barack Obama took direct aim at one of Donald Trump’s key re-election narratives during a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, accusing Trump of taking undue credit for economic successes that Obama claimed were the result of his own administration’s efforts. Speaking to an energized crowd, Obama emphasized that the strong economy during the early part of Trump’s presidency was built on the recovery policies initiated during his own time in office.
Obama’s economic argument
At the heart of Obama’s critique was a challenge to Trump’s frequent boasts about his management of the U.S. economy. Trump has long touted his administration’s economic performance as a reason for his re-election, citing rising stock markets, low unemployment, and economic growth during his tenure. However, Obama argued that these achievements were largely a continuation of the recovery he had overseen after taking office in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.
“Some people think, ‘I remember that economy when he [Trump] first came in being pretty good,'” Obama told the crowd. “Yeah, it was pretty good — because it was my economy. It wasn’t something he did. I spent eight years cleaning up the mess that the Republicans had left me.”
Obama’s comments referenced the economic turmoil he inherited when he took office in 2009, a period marked by massive job losses, financial instability, and a collapsing housing market. His administration implemented a series of policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, including the 2009 stimulus package, regulatory reforms in the financial sector, and support for industries like the auto sector, which were on the verge of collapse. According to Obama, it was these policies that set the foundation for the economic growth that continued into Trump’s presidency.
The Trump economy: Peaks and Valleys
While Trump did oversee economic growth in the early years of his presidency, Obama’s critique touched on the unprecedented economic crisis that struck under Trump in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic brought about one of the sharpest economic downturns in modern history. Unemployment surged to 15 percent, and supply chain disruptions caused shortages in supermarkets and across various industries. Although the economy eventually began to recover under President Joe Biden, Obama’s point was that the growth Trump touted as his own was in fact inherited and that he left office with the economy in a much worse state than he found it.
Obama’s speech resonated with his supporters, as he stressed the importance of remembering the context of the economic upswing Trump inherited and the disaster that struck in 2020, which Trump’s administration struggled to contain. The comparison to Biden’s efforts to bring the economy back on track underscored the broader Democratic narrative that their party is better equipped to manage crises and lead economic recoveries.
Axelrod’s praise for Obama’s message
Following Obama’s speech, former Obama strategist David Axelrod offered a glowing review during a panel on CNN. Axelrod, who has long been one of Obama’s closest political allies, praised the former president’s ability to connect with the audience not just through facts but through emotional appeals that resonated with American values. “That speech was rooted in truth and facts, but the value-laden piece of it was the most important,” Axelrod remarked, noting Obama’s emphasis on hope as a driving force behind his leadership.
Axelrod highlighted that one of Obama’s greatest strengths as a speaker has always been his ability to frame his arguments within larger moral and philosophical contexts. “He doesn’t give speeches, he gives talks. He has a conversation with the audience, and it’s very, very effective,” Axelrod said. According to him, Obama’s words are particularly impactful because they not only recount his record but also invite listeners to think critically about the future of American democracy.
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Defending democracy and american values
In addition to economic topics, Obama’s rally speech also delved into the broader defense of American democracy, something he has been increasingly vocal about in recent years. He stressed the importance of hope and civic engagement, values he believes are under threat in the current political climate. “Democracy is a battle between cynicism and hope,” Obama told the crowd, a statement reflecting his long-held belief in the power of collective action and faith in democratic institutions.
His impassioned defense of American democracy drew loud applause, particularly as he made the case for continuing to fight against forces that seek to undermine democratic norms. For Obama, this battle is as much about economic stability as it is about preserving the values that have historically defined the country.
A powerful message ahead of election battles
Obama’s rally in Pittsburgh comes as the U.S. heads into another contentious election cycle, with Democrats working to energize their base and fend off a potential Trump return to the White House. His speech was a reminder of the lasting political impact of his presidency and the stark contrasts he draws between his policies and those of the Republicans, especially Donald Trump.
As the former president takes a more active role in supporting Democratic candidates, his critiques of Trump’s economic legacy are likely to remain a central talking point, aiming to remind voters of the work that went into rebuilding the economy after the Great Recession and how easily that progress can be undone in times of crisis.
