Former President Barack Obama's words carry weight, and on a recent evening at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in Chicago, he spoke candidly about two pressing issues that highlight the complexities of our time.
Alien life, it seems, is real, according to Obama, who stated, "They're real," in response to a question from progressive podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen.
A Turning Point
While the idea of extraterrestrial life may spark the imagination, Obama quickly added a dose of skepticism, observing that he hadn't seen any aliens himself and that there's no evidence to suggest that they're being kept at Area 51 – unless, of course, there's a massive conspiracy that has gone undetected by the President of the United States.
Obama's comments on alien life, however, were only a small part of his larger message, which emphasized the importance of accountability and the need to protect American values in the face of authoritarianism.
The Broader Shift
One of the most pressing concerns for Obama is the recent deployment of thousands of immigration agents to Minnesota, which he described as "rogue behavior" by the federal government.
Comparing the actions of the Trump Administration to those seen in authoritarian countries and dictatorships, Obama stated, "It is important for us to recognize the unprecedented nature of what ICE was doing in Minneapolis, St. Paul, the way that federal agents, ICE agents were being deployed, without any clear guidelines, training, pulling people out of their homes, using five-year-olds to try to bait their parents."
What Workers Are Facing
Obama's comments come in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents, which sparked widespread outrage and protests in Minnesota.
The Trump Administration has since announced that it is winding down its massive immigration enforcement operation in the state, but Obama remains skeptical, stating, "This has to stop."
In a rare moment of levity, Obama also touched on the controversy surrounding a video posted by President Donald Trump depicting him and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
A Changing Landscape
Reflecting on the current state of American politics, Obama observed that there seems to be a "clown show" happening in social media and on television, where there is a lack of shame and decorum among those who once felt a sense of propriety and respect for the office.
As the country grapples with these pressing issues, Obama's words serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability, decency, and the protection of American values.
Ultimately, as the former President so poignantly stated, "This is not the America we believe in."
Acknowledging the extraordinary outpouring of community building, decency, and neighborliness, Obama concluded, "Citizens saying, 'this is not the America we believe in,'" which serves as a beacon of hope in these uncertain times.
Read more: Trump, Violence, and Blame: Democrats Say Federal Agents Were Trigger-Happy
Also, see: If They Find Life in Space, Scientists Are Worried About Breaking the News. Here's Why
Originally published on December 5, 2024, at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in Chicago.
