<p>The former US President Barack Obama&nbsp;sat down with The Late Show host Stephen Colbert as he dissected his presidency and admitted he made one mistake during his time at the White House.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/barack-obama">Barack Obama</a> revealed he regretted not giving a Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dolly Parton. This revelation came in response to Stephen Colbert’s question as to why the country singer had no such accolade despite her years of service towards humanity with her most recent work being donation to scientists developing the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the question, Barack Obama said, “That’s a mistake — I’m shocked. That was a screw up. I’m surprised. I think I assumed that she had already got one, and that was incorrect.”</p>

<p>“She deserves one. I’ll call Biden!” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joe Biden will soon be heading to the White House after winning the recent presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p title="title"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/initiatives-taken-by-global-icons-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-287487">Initiatives taken by global icons&nbsp;to combat coronavirus pandemic</a></p>


The former US President Barack Obama sat down with The Late Show host Stephen Colbert as he dissected his presidency and admitted he made one mistake during his time at the White House.

The former US President Barack Obama sat down with The Late Show host Stephen Colbert as he dissected his presidency and admitted he made one mistake during his time at the White House. Barack Obama revealed he regretted not giving a Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dolly Parton. This revelation came in response to Stephen Colbert’s question as to why the country singer had no such accolade despite her years of service towards humanity with her most recent work being donation to scientists developing the COVID-19 vaccine. On the question, Barack Obama said, “That’s a mistake — I’m shocked. That was a screw up. I’m surprised. I think I assumed that she had already got one, and that was incorrect.” “She deserves one. I’ll call Biden!” he added. Joe Biden will soon be heading to the White House after winning the recent presidential elections. Initiatives taken by global icons to combat coronavirus pandemic

Barack Obama regrets not awarding Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dolly Parton

<p>It has been long believed that the United States has first hand access to aliens, and that they constitute part of the secrets that lie in Area 51, a highly classified US Air Force Facility in Nevada.</p>

<p>Turns out, former US President Barack Obama had sought knowledge of aliens, and reached out to his officials to find out how much they know about aliens. Did he receive an answer? Yes. Is Obama willing to share details about extraterrestrial secrets with the rest of us? Unfortunately, no.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-do-aliens-exist-scientists-search-10-million-stars-327584/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Appearing on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week, Obama was asked by Colbert about the kind of classified information he sought during his presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/could-artificial-intelligence-trick-us-into-believing-aliens-exist-scientists-think-so-338594" hreflang="en">Could artificial intelligence trick us into believing aliens exist? Scientists think so</a></p>

<p>Obama confirmed to Colbert that he asked officials about aliens, but to no avail, as the rest of us will never find out.</p>

<p>On the topic of UFOs Obama said - “Certainly asked about it”.</p>

<p>When Colbert pressed him for more details with a hungry “And?”, he responded with “Can’t tell you”, and followed with a “sorry”. In short, Obama knows something that we don’t. But will he tell us? Most probably not.</p>

<p>Colbert also processed his response along similar lines. “I’ll take that as a yes”, he said to Obama, while adding that if there were no aliens, he would have said that there were none.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/aliens-on-1000-nearby-stars-could-see-us-new-study-suggests-337578" hreflang="en">Aliens on 1000 nearby stars could see us, new study suggests</a></p>

<p>“You just played your hand”, he added, while jokingly saying “I thought you were a poker player”.</p>

<p>In classic Obama style, he topped off the alien conversation with “Feel free to think that”. Earlier, former US President Bill Clinton had told Jimmy Kimmel that he wouldn’t be surprised if aliens existed.</p>

<p>Clinton also said that he had looked into Area 51 and details of what it harboured, and concluded that there were no aliens on the airbase.</p>


It has been long believed that the United States has first hand access to aliens, and that they constitute part of the secrets that lie in Area 51, a highly classified US Air Force Facility in Nevada.

It has been long believed that the United States has first hand access to aliens, and that they constitute part of the secrets that lie in Area 51, a highly classified US Air Force Facility in Nevada. Turns out, former US President Barack Obama had sought knowledge of aliens, and reached out to his officials to find out how much they know about aliens. Did he receive an answer? Yes. Is Obama willing to share details about extraterrestrial secrets with the rest of us? Unfortunately, no. Appearing on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week, Obama was asked by Colbert about the kind of classified information he sought during his presidency. Also read: Could artificial intelligence trick us into believing aliens exist? Scientists think so Obama confirmed to Colbert that he asked officials about aliens, but to no avail, as the rest of us will never find out. On the topic of UFOs Obama said - “Certainly asked about it”. When Colbert pressed him for more details with a hungry “And?”, he responded with “Can’t tell you”, and followed with a “sorry”. In short, Obama knows something that we don’t. But will he tell us? Most probably not. Colbert also processed his response along similar lines. “I’ll take that as a yes”, he said to Obama, while adding that if there were no aliens, he would have said that there were none. Also read: Aliens on 1000 nearby stars could see us, new study suggests “You just played your hand”, he added, while jokingly saying “I thought you were a poker player”. In classic Obama style, he topped off the alien conversation with “Feel free to think that”. Earlier, former US President Bill Clinton had told Jimmy Kimmel that he wouldn’t be surprised if aliens existed. Clinton also said that he had looked into Area 51 and details of what it harboured, and concluded that there were no aliens on the airbase.

Obama asked officials about the existence of aliens as US president. What did they tell him?

United States President-elect Joe Biden has announced his cabinet posts. Several members of Barack Obama administration have made a comeback as Biden shows his inner circle to lead his new team.

Biden Cabinet: Antony Blinken to become Secretary of State

Former US President Barack Obama has claimed that there are many assistants of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Pakistan’s army and this fact is no longer hidden from anyone.

'Pakistan Army has people with close ties to Al-Qaeda', says Former US Prez Barack Obama

<p>Expressing his fascination for India in his latest book 'A Promised Land', Former US President Barack Obama said that he has always held a special place for India due to his childhood years spent in Indonesia listening to the epic Hindu tales of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.</p>

<p>Obama's memoir, “A Promised Land,” arrives at a moment of deep political, cultural and social unrest — tensions that have been heightened by a global pandemic and an economic crisis.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-sonias-beauty-to-manmohans-integrity-heres-what-barack-obama-wrote-on-congress-leaders-342800"><strong>Also read | From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders</strong></a></p>

<p>"Maybe it was because I'd spent a part of my childhood in Indonesia listening to the epic Hindu tales of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, or because of my interest in Eastern religions, or because of a group of Pakistani and Indian college friends who'd taught me to cook dal and keema and turned me on to Bollywood movies," Obama writes.</p>

<p>"Maybe it was its (India's) sheer size, with one-sixth of the world's population, an estimated two thousand distinct ethnic groups, and more than seven hundred languages spoken," Obama said.</p>

<p>Obama says he had never been to India before his Presidential visit in 2010, but the country had "always held a special place in my imagination".</p>

<p>"My book is for those young people -- an invitation to once again remake the world, and to bring about, through hard work, determination, and a big dose of imagination, an America that finally aligns with all that is best in us," Obama said.</p>

<p>In the 768-page first volume of his memoirs, the 44th US president reveals that he writes longhand with a pen on a yellow pad instead of on a computer and confesses to an inability to be concise.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Expressing his fascination for India in his latest book 'A Promised Land', Former US President Barack Obama said that he has always held a special place for India due to his childhood years spent in Indonesia listening to the epic Hindu tales of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Expressing his fascination for India in his latest book 'A Promised Land', Former US President Barack Obama said that he has always held a special place for India due to his childhood years spent in Indonesia listening to the epic Hindu tales of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Obama's memoir, “A Promised Land,” arrives at a moment of deep political, cultural and social unrest — tensions that have been heightened by a global pandemic and an economic crisis. Also read | From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders "Maybe it was because I'd spent a part of my childhood in Indonesia listening to the epic Hindu tales of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, or because of my interest in Eastern religions, or because of a group of Pakistani and Indian college friends who'd taught me to cook dal and keema and turned me on to Bollywood movies," Obama writes. "Maybe it was its (India's) sheer size, with one-sixth of the world's population, an estimated two thousand distinct ethnic groups, and more than seven hundred languages spoken," Obama said. Obama says he had never been to India before his Presidential visit in 2010, but the country had "always held a special place in my imagination". "My book is for those young people -- an invitation to once again remake the world, and to bring about, through hard work, determination, and a big dose of imagination, an America that finally aligns with all that is best in us," Obama said. In the 768-page first volume of his memoirs, the 44th US president reveals that he writes longhand with a pen on a yellow pad instead of on a computer and confesses to an inability to be concise. (With inputs from agencies)

Spent childhood listening to Ramayana and Mahabharata: Barack Obama in memoir 

<p>Former First lady&nbsp;Michelle Obama has slammed&nbsp;Donald Trump for his refusal of moving forward with a transition of power.</p>

<p>Reflecting upon where she was four years ago and the difficult process of ceding power to the Republican in an Instagram post,&nbsp;Michelle said&nbsp;"I was hurt and disappointed but the votes had been counted and Donald Trump had won."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spent-childhood-listening-to-ramayana-and-mahabharata-barack-obama-in-memoir-343642" hreflang="en">Spent childhood listening to Ramayana and Mahabharata: Barack Obama in memoir&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Taking a jibe at Trump for his unsubstantiated claims of victory in the US election 2020 and his refusal for vacating his seat, she said "Our democracy is so much bigger than anybody’s ego.”</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqZ-ylrqJd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqZ-ylrqJd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqZ-ylrqJd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqZ-ylrqJd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>In a heartfelt post, she said&nbsp;"I have to be honest and say that none of this was easy for me. Donald Trump had spread racist lies about my husband that had put my family in danger. That wasn’t something I was ready to forgive. But I knew that, for the sake of our country, I had to find the strength and maturity to put my anger aside."</p>

<p>Obama added that she and afterward President Barack Obama had welcomed Trump staff to their workplaces and their staff individuals had given definite notices and understanding from their encounters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-warns-more-people-may-die-if-trump-doesnt-cooperate-with-transition-343610">Biden warns 'more people may die' if Trump doesn't cooperate with transition</a></strong></p>

<p>The official progress measure has not formally begun in light of the fact that Trump has unjustifiably would not acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden's triumph. The proper progress is probably going to stay on hold until the political decision is ensured by a Trump nominee inside the General Services Administration in a cycle known as ascertainment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Obama said in her post that it took "quality and development to set my outrage aside." In doing such, she continued to welcome Melania Trump to the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Obama said she addressed Trump's inquiries concerning "the elevated investigation that accompanies being a first woman to what exactly it resembles to bring kids up in the White House."</p>

<p>As per reports, Melania Trump has yet to invite first lady-elect, Jill Biden,&nbsp;to the White House to proceed with the convention.</p>


Former First lady Michelle Obama has slammed Donald Trump for his refusal of moving forward with a transition of power. Reflecting upon where she was four years ago and the difficult process of ceding power to the Republican in an Instagram post, Michelle said "I was hurt and disappointed but the votes had been counted and Donald Trump had won.

Former First lady Michelle Obama has slammed Donald Trump for his refusal of moving forward with a transition of power. Reflecting upon where she was four years ago and the difficult process of ceding power to the Republican in an Instagram post, Michelle said "I was hurt and disappointed but the votes had been counted and Donald Trump had won." Also read: Spent childhood listening to Ramayana and Mahabharata: Barack Obama in memoir Taking a jibe at Trump for his unsubstantiated claims of victory in the US election 2020 and his refusal for vacating his seat, she said "Our democracy is so much bigger than anybody’s ego.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) In a heartfelt post, she said "I have to be honest and say that none of this was easy for me. Donald Trump had spread racist lies about my husband that had put my family in danger. That wasn’t something I was ready to forgive. But I knew that, for the sake of our country, I had to find the strength and maturity to put my anger aside." Obama added that she and afterward President Barack Obama had welcomed Trump staff to their workplaces and their staff individuals had given definite notices and understanding from their encounters. Also read: Biden warns 'more people may die' if Trump doesn't cooperate with transition The official progress measure has not formally begun in light of the fact that Trump has unjustifiably would not acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden's triumph. The proper progress is probably going to stay on hold until the political decision is ensured by a Trump nominee inside the General Services Administration in a cycle known as ascertainment. Obama said in her post that it took "quality and development to set my outrage aside." In doing such, she continued to welcome Melania Trump to the White House. Obama said she addressed Trump's inquiries concerning "the elevated investigation that accompanies being a first woman to what exactly it resembles to bring kids up in the White House." As per reports, Melania Trump has yet to invite first lady-elect, Jill Biden, to the White House to proceed with the convention.

Michelle Obama slams Donald Trump; says democracy bigger than anybody's ego

<p>Former President and one of the internet's favourite celebrities&nbsp;Barack Obama is in the news for his memoir,&nbsp; A Promised Land.<br />
<br />
In honour of the book release, Obama put together a playlist of all the songs he enjoyed listening to during his time in office, tweeting it out on Monday. The list covers a wide variety of musical genres, from the country (Brooks &amp; Dunn) to rap (Eminem), and it includes music from well before 2009-2017, Obama's time in the White House.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spent-childhood-listening-to-ramayana-and-mahabharata-barack-obama-in-memoir-343642">Also read: Spent childhood listening to Ramayana and Mahabharata: Barack Obama in memoir&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>He tweeted, "Music has always played an important role in my life -- and that was especially true during my presidency," Obama wrote in the tweet. "In honour of my book hitting shelves tomorrow, I put together this playlist featuring some memorable songs from my administration. Hope you enjoy it."<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Music has always played an important role in my life—and that was especially true during my presidency. In honor of my book hitting shelves tomorrow, I put together this playlist featuring some memorable songs from my administration. Hope you enjoy it. <a href="https://t.co/xWiNQiZzN0">pic.twitter.com/xWiNQiZzN0</a></p>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1328458351869644806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;A Promised Land, the first volume of his presidential memoirs, which will be published Nov. 17 by Crown Publishing Group. Talking about the book, in an earlier interview, Obama said, "My book is for those young people -- an invitation to once again remake the world, and to bring about, through hard work, determination, and a big dose of imagination, an America that finally aligns with all that is best in us," Obama said."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former President and one of the internet's favourite celebrities Barack Obama is in the news for his memoir, A Promised Land. In honour of the book release, Obama put together a playlist of all the songs he enjoyed listening to during his time in office, tweeting it out on Monday.

Former President and one of the internet's favourite celebrities Barack Obama is in the news for his memoir, A Promised Land. In honour of the book release, Obama put together a playlist of all the songs he enjoyed listening to during his time in office, tweeting it out on Monday. The list covers a wide variety of musical genres, from the country (Brooks & Dunn) to rap (Eminem), and it includes music from well before 2009-2017, Obama's time in the White House. Also read: Spent childhood listening to Ramayana and Mahabharata: Barack Obama in memoir He tweeted, "Music has always played an important role in my life -- and that was especially true during my presidency," Obama wrote in the tweet. "In honour of my book hitting shelves tomorrow, I put together this playlist featuring some memorable songs from my administration. Hope you enjoy it." Music has always played an important role in my life—and that was especially true during my presidency. In honor of my book hitting shelves tomorrow, I put together this playlist featuring some memorable songs from my administration. Hope you enjoy it. pic.twitter.com/xWiNQiZzN0 — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 16, 2020 × A Promised Land, the first volume of his presidential memoirs, which will be published Nov. 17 by Crown Publishing Group. Talking about the book, in an earlier interview, Obama said, "My book is for those young people -- an invitation to once again remake the world, and to bring about, through hard work, determination, and a big dose of imagination, an America that finally aligns with all that is best in us," Obama said."

Barack Obama shares playlist of his favourite songs from the days of his presidency

<p>Shortly after President Barack Obama left office in 2017, in the aftermath of a contentious election that cost his party the presidency, he sat down with a yellow notepad and began writing an account of his time in the White House.</p>

<p>Nearly four years later, Obama is preparing to release his book in the wake of another volatile and polarizing presidential race. His memoir, “A Promised Land,” arrives at a moment of deep political, cultural and social unrest — tensions that have been heightened by a global pandemic and an economic crisis.</p>

<p>It’s a challenging environment, to say the least, in which to release a book, even one of the most highly anticipated of the decade. Bookstores have limited their foot traffic to comply with public health measures, and many customers are still wary of in-person shopping. At the same time, supply chains are under intense strain as capacity issues at printing presses have delayed dozens of books this fall.</p>

<p>But in spite of such setbacks, “A Promised Land” is shaping up to be one of the top-selling political memoirs of all time, and a potential lifeline for booksellers whose sales have plummeted during the pandemic.</p>

<p>Crown is printing 3.4 million copies of “A Promised Land” for the U.S. and Canadian market and another 2.5 million for international readers. The book, which runs to 768 pages, is being released simultaneously around the world, and will be available in 19 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, Romanian and Chinese (translations into six other languages are still underway). Demand among American customers is so high that Penguin Random House, Crown’s parent company, has printed 1.5 million copies in Germany to bring over on cargo ships.</p>

<p>It still may not be enough to meet demand.</p>

<p>Barnes &amp; Noble is stocking around half a million copies of the book, but the chain expects to sell even more than that, based on the preorders for “A Promised Land” and the strong sales of Michelle Obama’s memoir, “Becoming,” published two years ago.</p>

<p>“We are taking as many as Penguin Random House will give us,” said James Daunt, chief executive of Barnes &amp; Noble. “If there was an unlimited supply, we would take more. I think we will end up selling an enormous number.”</p>

<p>Big-box stores are also placing large orders. ReaderLink, which supplies books to major chains like Target, Walmart and Costco, expects to receive 890,000 copies by the end of the month, chief executive Dennis E. Abboud said.</p>

<p>For struggling independent stores, Obama’s book — with a $45 list price — could prove crucial in recovering some of the losses suffered during the shutdown.</p>

<p>Kramers, a bookstore in Washington, D.C., is opening its doors for a midnight release Nov. 17, the sort of fanfare more typical for a new Harry Potter book than a political memoir.</p>

<p>Politics and Prose, another D.C.-area independent bookstore, has placed a substantial order, for more than 2,000 copies. Bradley Graham, the store’s co-owner, said the book could have a ripple effect, since shoppers who flock to buy big bestsellers often pick up other titles as well.</p>

<p>“It should make a significant difference in helping to boost sales at a time that we desperately need it,” Graham said.</p>

<p>Even before its release, “A Promised Land” was exerting a strong gravitational pull on the industry. The Booker Prize decided to move its award ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, to Thursday to avoid overlapping with the publication. (Obama will make an appearance at the Booker Prize online ceremony, alongside novelists Kazuo Ishiguro, Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo, where he will talk about what he has taken from reading past Booker-winning novels.)</p>

<p>Readers have been waiting for years for Obama’s account of his time in the White House, which took him around 2 1/2 years longer to write than he anticipated.</p>

<p>“I expected to be done in a year,” Obama writes in his preface. “It’s fair to say that the writing process didn’t go exactly as I’d planned.”</p>

<p>A representative for Obama said the timing of the release was dictated by his writing schedule, which continued into this summer, when the election cycle was already in full swing.</p>

<p>“President Obama was completely focused this fall on helping elect Joe Biden, so there was never a thought given to having it come out in the lead-up to the election,” said Katie Hill, communications director for Obama.</p>

<p>Now, Obama is promoting his book at a tense and delicate political moment, as President-elect Biden seeks to lay the groundwork for his administration while President Donald Trump refuses to accept the results of the election. As a former president who retains high approval ratings with the public, Obama will no doubt be called on in interviews to address the current climate of partisan division, and to deliver his views on how Biden should navigate it. But Obama also wants to avoid stepping into Biden’s spotlight.</p>

<p>“President Obama is very aware, as he will be out there talking about his book, that he’s not the leader of the Democratic Party,” Hill said. “He does not want to be out there in any way overshadowing Joe Biden.”</p>

<p>Of course, the biggest obstacle to any plan in 2020 is the coronavirus. As the virus continued to spread through the summer and early fall, it became clear that Obama would not be able to conduct a book tour with appearances in front of large audiences, like Michelle Obama’s nationwide tour for “Becoming,” which involved events in major sports arenas. Obama isn’t holding any in-person events, except for select interviews. Instead, he will rely on reaching readers through his large social media following — he has more than 125 million Twitter followers, and around 90 million followers on Facebook and Instagram combined — and interviews with traditional outlets like “60 Minutes,” “CBS Sunday Morning,” Oprah Winfrey’s Apple TV show and The Atlantic magazine, as well as on podcasts and youth-focused media outlets. He may also hold some live virtual events, Hill said.</p>

<p>There’s a long literary tradition of former presidents publishing reflections of their time in office, tracing back to works by James Buchanan and Theodore Roosevelt. While some became bestsellers, including George W. Bush’s “Decision Points” and Bill Clinton’s “My Life,” former presidents’ accounts can often be dutiful and plodding marches through recent history.</p>

<p>Expectations are considerably higher for “A Promised Land,” which has been highly anticipated ever since the Obamas jointly signed a record-breaking multibook deal for $65 million with Penguin Random House in 2017. Michelle Obama’s book has sold 14 million copies worldwide, including more than 8 million in the United States and Canada. Barack Obama’s previous books have also been commercial and critical hits. “Dreams From My Father,” originally published in 1995, became a bestseller after Obama rose to political prominence. That memoir has sold more than 3.3 million copies in the United States and Canada, while his 2006 book, “The Audacity of Hope,” which was more policy-oriented, has sold nearly 4.3 million copies, according to Crown.</p>

<p>Rachel Klayman, Obama’s longtime editor at Crown, said “A Promised Land” was more challenging for him to write than his previous two books. While he had some assistance with the research, and sought editorial feedback from former members of his administration, he wrote the book himself.</p>

<p>The first time Obama met with Klayman to discuss it, she said, he had several chapters outlined on a yellow legal pad. He planned to begin the book with a scene on the night he won the Iowa Caucus in 2008, a pivotal moment on his path to the White House. When he handed in the first draft, Klayman was surprised to see that he opened instead with a brief scene at the White House’s West Colonnade, and then a flashback to his time as a young adult in Hawaii.</p>

<p>Initially, Obama planned to cover his eight years as president in a single volume, but it became clear as he was writing that such a book would have been too vast and unwieldy. “A Promised Land” covers Obama’s youth and his political awakening, and ends with him meeting the Navy SEAL team involved in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.</p>

<p>“When I read the early chapters, I told him he was a completist, and that would make it hard to bring it in at a reasonable length, and I wasn’t wrong,” said Klayman, who added that she felt the decision to split the book into two volumes enhanced the narrative. “He’s a superb writer, but no one would accuse him of being succinct.”</p>

<p>After Obama finished the book, a handful of trusted readers got early copies, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.</p>

<p>Wilkerson said Obama’s book was more introspective than a standard political memoir. “I found it to be a balance of grandeur and intimacy,” she said. “He’s very frank.”</p>

<p>Booksellers hope Obama’s candor will draw customers back into their stores.</p>

<p>Lauren Zimmerman, who owns Writer’s Block Bookstore in Winter Park, Florida, said her community, just north of Orlando, is fairly purple politically, and she doesn’t expect many conservatives to buy the book. But she still placed an order for more than 40 copies. For a John Grisham book, she said, the store would normally order about a dozen.</p>

<p>“There are people who don’t necessarily buy books all the time, but they will buy this one,” she said.</p>

<p>There will also likely be customers who want to have the book in their homes as a visible object, even if they read it as an e-book or listen to it as an audiobook — or don’t bother to read it at all.</p>

<p>“I remember when we had our first Catholic president, people had his picture on their wall,” said Kris Kleindienst, a co-owner of Left Bank Books in St. Louis. “I feel like for some of our households, this book is that.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Shortly after President Barack Obama left office in 2017, in the aftermath of a contentious election that cost his party the presidency, he sat down with a yellow notepad and began writing an account of his time in the White House.

Shortly after President Barack Obama left office in 2017, in the aftermath of a contentious election that cost his party the presidency, he sat down with a yellow notepad and began writing an account of his time in the White House. Nearly four years later, Obama is preparing to release his book in the wake of another volatile and polarizing presidential race. His memoir, “A Promised Land,” arrives at a moment of deep political, cultural and social unrest — tensions that have been heightened by a global pandemic and an economic crisis. It’s a challenging environment, to say the least, in which to release a book, even one of the most highly anticipated of the decade. Bookstores have limited their foot traffic to comply with public health measures, and many customers are still wary of in-person shopping. At the same time, supply chains are under intense strain as capacity issues at printing presses have delayed dozens of books this fall. But in spite of such setbacks, “A Promised Land” is shaping up to be one of the top-selling political memoirs of all time, and a potential lifeline for booksellers whose sales have plummeted during the pandemic. Crown is printing 3.4 million copies of “A Promised Land” for the U.S. and Canadian market and another 2.5 million for international readers. The book, which runs to 768 pages, is being released simultaneously around the world, and will be available in 19 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, Romanian and Chinese (translations into six other languages are still underway). Demand among American customers is so high that Penguin Random House, Crown’s parent company, has printed 1.5 million copies in Germany to bring over on cargo ships. It still may not be enough to meet demand. Barnes & Noble is stocking around half a million copies of the book, but the chain expects to sell even more than that, based on the preorders for “A Promised Land” and the strong sales of Michelle Obama’s memoir, “Becoming,” published two years ago. “We are taking as many as Penguin Random House will give us,” said James Daunt, chief executive of Barnes & Noble. “If there was an unlimited supply, we would take more. I think we will end up selling an enormous number.” Big-box stores are also placing large orders. ReaderLink, which supplies books to major chains like Target, Walmart and Costco, expects to receive 890,000 copies by the end of the month, chief executive Dennis E. Abboud said. For struggling independent stores, Obama’s book — with a $45 list price — could prove crucial in recovering some of the losses suffered during the shutdown. Kramers, a bookstore in Washington, D.C., is opening its doors for a midnight release Nov. 17, the sort of fanfare more typical for a new Harry Potter book than a political memoir. Politics and Prose, another D.C.-area independent bookstore, has placed a substantial order, for more than 2,000 copies. Bradley Graham, the store’s co-owner, said the book could have a ripple effect, since shoppers who flock to buy big bestsellers often pick up other titles as well. “It should make a significant difference in helping to boost sales at a time that we desperately need it,” Graham said. Even before its release, “A Promised Land” was exerting a strong gravitational pull on the industry. The Booker Prize decided to move its award ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, to Thursday to avoid overlapping with the publication. (Obama will make an appearance at the Booker Prize online ceremony, alongside novelists Kazuo Ishiguro, Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo, where he will talk about what he has taken from reading past Booker-winning novels.) Readers have been waiting for years for Obama’s account of his time in the White House, which took him around 2 1/2 years longer to write than he anticipated. “I expected to be done in a year,” Obama writes in his preface. “It’s fair to say that the writing process didn’t go exactly as I’d planned.” A representative for Obama said the timing of the release was dictated by his writing schedule, which continued into this summer, when the election cycle was already in full swing. “President Obama was completely focused this fall on helping elect Joe Biden, so there was never a thought given to having it come out in the lead-up to the election,” said Katie Hill, communications director for Obama. Now, Obama is promoting his book at a tense and delicate political moment, as President-elect Biden seeks to lay the groundwork for his administration while President Donald Trump refuses to accept the results of the election. As a former president who retains high approval ratings with the public, Obama will no doubt be called on in interviews to address the current climate of partisan division, and to deliver his views on how Biden should navigate it. But Obama also wants to avoid stepping into Biden’s spotlight. “President Obama is very aware, as he will be out there talking about his book, that he’s not the leader of the Democratic Party,” Hill said. “He does not want to be out there in any way overshadowing Joe Biden.” Of course, the biggest obstacle to any plan in 2020 is the coronavirus. As the virus continued to spread through the summer and early fall, it became clear that Obama would not be able to conduct a book tour with appearances in front of large audiences, like Michelle Obama’s nationwide tour for “Becoming,” which involved events in major sports arenas. Obama isn’t holding any in-person events, except for select interviews. Instead, he will rely on reaching readers through his large social media following — he has more than 125 million Twitter followers, and around 90 million followers on Facebook and Instagram combined — and interviews with traditional outlets like “60 Minutes,” “CBS Sunday Morning,” Oprah Winfrey’s Apple TV show and The Atlantic magazine, as well as on podcasts and youth-focused media outlets. He may also hold some live virtual events, Hill said. There’s a long literary tradition of former presidents publishing reflections of their time in office, tracing back to works by James Buchanan and Theodore Roosevelt. While some became bestsellers, including George W. Bush’s “Decision Points” and Bill Clinton’s “My Life,” former presidents’ accounts can often be dutiful and plodding marches through recent history. Expectations are considerably higher for “A Promised Land,” which has been highly anticipated ever since the Obamas jointly signed a record-breaking multibook deal for $65 million with Penguin Random House in 2017. Michelle Obama’s book has sold 14 million copies worldwide, including more than 8 million in the United States and Canada. Barack Obama’s previous books have also been commercial and critical hits. “Dreams From My Father,” originally published in 1995, became a bestseller after Obama rose to political prominence. That memoir has sold more than 3.3 million copies in the United States and Canada, while his 2006 book, “The Audacity of Hope,” which was more policy-oriented, has sold nearly 4.3 million copies, according to Crown. Rachel Klayman, Obama’s longtime editor at Crown, said “A Promised Land” was more challenging for him to write than his previous two books. While he had some assistance with the research, and sought editorial feedback from former members of his administration, he wrote the book himself. The first time Obama met with Klayman to discuss it, she said, he had several chapters outlined on a yellow legal pad. He planned to begin the book with a scene on the night he won the Iowa Caucus in 2008, a pivotal moment on his path to the White House. When he handed in the first draft, Klayman was surprised to see that he opened instead with a brief scene at the White House’s West Colonnade, and then a flashback to his time as a young adult in Hawaii. Initially, Obama planned to cover his eight years as president in a single volume, but it became clear as he was writing that such a book would have been too vast and unwieldy. “A Promised Land” covers Obama’s youth and his political awakening, and ends with him meeting the Navy SEAL team involved in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. “When I read the early chapters, I told him he was a completist, and that would make it hard to bring it in at a reasonable length, and I wasn’t wrong,” said Klayman, who added that she felt the decision to split the book into two volumes enhanced the narrative. “He’s a superb writer, but no one would accuse him of being succinct.” After Obama finished the book, a handful of trusted readers got early copies, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Wilkerson said Obama’s book was more introspective than a standard political memoir. “I found it to be a balance of grandeur and intimacy,” she said. “He’s very frank.” Booksellers hope Obama’s candor will draw customers back into their stores. Lauren Zimmerman, who owns Writer’s Block Bookstore in Winter Park, Florida, said her community, just north of Orlando, is fairly purple politically, and she doesn’t expect many conservatives to buy the book. But she still placed an order for more than 40 copies. For a John Grisham book, she said, the store would normally order about a dozen. “There are people who don’t necessarily buy books all the time, but they will buy this one,” she said. There will also likely be customers who want to have the book in their homes as a visible object, even if they read it as an e-book or listen to it as an audiobook — or don’t bother to read it at all. “I remember when we had our first Catholic president, people had his picture on their wall,” said Kris Kleindienst, a co-owner of Left Bank Books in St. Louis. “I feel like for some of our households, this book is that.”

Obama memoir could be booksellers' savior

<p>Former US president Barack Obama would not take a position in Democrat Joe Biden’s cabinet -- because if he did, he fears, his wife would leave him.</p>

<p>The 44th US president made the remark in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, two days ahead of publication of his memoir, A Promised Land.</p>

<p>The publication of Obama's new memoir, A Promised Land, which covers the events of his eight years in the White House coincides with his interview with Oprah Winfrey -- two short clips from which have been released.</p>

<p>Biden, Obama’s vice-president from 2009 to 2017, was declared as the president-elect by the US media networks while incumbent president Donald Trump continues to refuse to concede defeat in the November 3 vote.</p>

<p>Biden would become the 46th US president in January, 2021.</p>

<p>Asked how he will help Biden, Obama said: “He doesn’t need my advice, and I will help him in any ways that I can. Now, I’m not planning to suddenly work on the White House staff or something.”</p>

<p>Obama elaborated on his reaction to Biden and future vice-president Kamala Harris's victory, and what it means for the future of the country. "I was thrilled," he told Oprah.</p>

<p>"Joe is somebody who stood by me on every major decision I had for eight years. He's become a brother and a genuinely good friend. Kamala was one of my earliest supporters when I first launched my presidency. I'm personally invested in them. They have the character and experience to do an outstanding job in a very difficult, very challenging time in this country," Obama continued.</p>

<p>The 44th president also expressed his hope that Biden and Harris's election would usher in the restoration of a different, less incendiary tone of politics in the US.</p>

<p>Asked if he would consider a cabinet position, Obama said: “There are some things I would not be doing because Michelle would leave me. She’d be like, what? You’re doing what?”</p>

<p>In a released clip from the conversation with Oprah Winfrey, Obama said he and Michelle “went through our rough patches in the White House, as she’s written about, she’s talked about. But I tell you that the thing that I think we were good about was talking stuff through, never losing fundamental love and respect for each other, and prioritising our kids.”</p>

<p>On CBS, Obama discussed what it is like to have the luxurious trappings of office.</p>

<p>“I’m driving along,” Obama said, laughing. “I’m still not driving, but [I’m] in the car. I’m in the car in the backseat and I’m looking at my iPad or something. And suddenly, we stop and I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ There’s a red light. There’s a car right next to us. Some kids are eating a burrito or something in the backseat.</p>

<p>“Back to life.”</p>

<p>Talking of the memoir, Obama considers what his meteoric rise to the US Senate and then the White House meant for his marriage to Michelle and family life with their daughters, Sasha and Malia.</p>

<p>“My career in politics, with its prolonged absences, had made it even tougher” for his wife to pursue her own law career, he writes. “More than once Michelle had decided not to pursue an opportunity that excited her but would have demanded too much time away from the girls.</p>

<p>“… With my election [as president] she’d been forced to give up a job with real impact for a role [as first lady] that – in its original design, at least – was far too small for her gifts.”</p>

<p>In a&nbsp;clip about vanity and ego, Obama says that understanding the work is not about yourself. In another,&nbsp;Obama shares that the Sandy Hook shooting was the hardest day of his presidency and expresses disappointment that there was no policy change following the tragedy.</p>

<p>A Promised Land is part of a reported $65m deal with Penguin Random House that also covered Becoming, Michelle Obama’s memoir, released in 2018, and which has sold more than 10 million copies.</p>

<p>Barack Obama's interview on 'The Oprah Conversation' will be free to watch on Apple TV+ through December 1, and available for subscribers afterwards.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs)</strong></em></p>


Former US president Barack Obama would not take a position in Democrat Joe Biden’s cabinet -- because if he did, he fears, his wife would leave him. The 44th US president made the remark in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, two days ahead of publication of his memoir, A Promised Land.

Former US president Barack Obama would not take a position in Democrat Joe Biden’s cabinet -- because if he did, he fears, his wife would leave him. The 44th US president made the remark in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, two days ahead of publication of his memoir, A Promised Land. The publication of Obama's new memoir, A Promised Land, which covers the events of his eight years in the White House coincides with his interview with Oprah Winfrey -- two short clips from which have been released. Biden, Obama’s vice-president from 2009 to 2017, was declared as the president-elect by the US media networks while incumbent president Donald Trump continues to refuse to concede defeat in the November 3 vote. Biden would become the 46th US president in January, 2021. Asked how he will help Biden, Obama said: “He doesn’t need my advice, and I will help him in any ways that I can. Now, I’m not planning to suddenly work on the White House staff or something.” Obama elaborated on his reaction to Biden and future vice-president Kamala Harris's victory, and what it means for the future of the country. "I was thrilled," he told Oprah. "Joe is somebody who stood by me on every major decision I had for eight years. He's become a brother and a genuinely good friend. Kamala was one of my earliest supporters when I first launched my presidency. I'm personally invested in them. They have the character and experience to do an outstanding job in a very difficult, very challenging time in this country," Obama continued. The 44th president also expressed his hope that Biden and Harris's election would usher in the restoration of a different, less incendiary tone of politics in the US. Asked if he would consider a cabinet position, Obama said: “There are some things I would not be doing because Michelle would leave me. She’d be like, what? You’re doing what?” In a released clip from the conversation with Oprah Winfrey, Obama said he and Michelle “went through our rough patches in the White House, as she’s written about, she’s talked about. But I tell you that the thing that I think we were good about was talking stuff through, never losing fundamental love and respect for each other, and prioritising our kids.” On CBS, Obama discussed what it is like to have the luxurious trappings of office. “I’m driving along,” Obama said, laughing. “I’m still not driving, but [I’m] in the car. I’m in the car in the backseat and I’m looking at my iPad or something. And suddenly, we stop and I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ There’s a red light. There’s a car right next to us. Some kids are eating a burrito or something in the backseat. “Back to life.” Talking of the memoir, Obama considers what his meteoric rise to the US Senate and then the White House meant for his marriage to Michelle and family life with their daughters, Sasha and Malia. “My career in politics, with its prolonged absences, had made it even tougher” for his wife to pursue her own law career, he writes. “More than once Michelle had decided not to pursue an opportunity that excited her but would have demanded too much time away from the girls. “… With my election [as president] she’d been forced to give up a job with real impact for a role [as first lady] that – in its original design, at least – was far too small for her gifts.” In a clip about vanity and ego, Obama says that understanding the work is not about yourself. In another, Obama shares that the Sandy Hook shooting was the hardest day of his presidency and expresses disappointment that there was no policy change following the tragedy. A Promised Land is part of a reported $65m deal with Penguin Random House that also covered Becoming, Michelle Obama’s memoir, released in 2018, and which has sold more than 10 million copies. Barack Obama's interview on 'The Oprah Conversation' will be free to watch on Apple TV+ through December 1, and available for subscribers afterwards. (with inputs)

Vanity, ego and Biden: Barack Obama is at his candid best ahead of book launch

<p>Former United States President Barack Obama recently claimed that election results show the deep divide in the country. Each candidate - the Republican and incumbent President Donald Trump and Democrat President-elect Joe Biden received over 70 million votes, signifying the close winning margin.</p>

<p>"What it says is that we are still deeply divided. The power of that alternative worldview that's presented in the media that those voters consume - it carries a lot of weight," Obama said during an interview on CBS.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-us-president-barack-obama-launches-new-book-342891/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“It's very hard for our democracy to function if we are operating on just completely different sets of facts”, the former president added.</p>

<p>Obama has been doing a series of interviews leading up to the release of his memoir - “A Promised Land”, set to release on November 17.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/vanity-ego-and-biden-barack-obama-is-at-his-candid-best-ahead-of-book-launch-343393" hreflang="en">Vanity, ego and Biden: Barack Obama is at his candid best ahead of book launch</a></p>

<p>In the book, Obama looks back at his presidency, and his childhood among many things. Obama is the country’s first black president. In the book, he has also taken on Donald Trump and his racist policies.</p>

<p>The publication of Obama's new memoir, A Promised Land, which covers the events of his eight years in the White House coincides with his interview with Oprah Winfrey - two short clips from which have been released.</p>

<p>Biden, Obama’s vice-president from 2009 to 2017, was declared as the president-elect by the US media networks while incumbent president Donald Trump continues to refuse to concede defeat in the November 3 vote.</p>

<p>Obama on Sunday defended his active campaigning for President-elect Joe Biden, his former vice president, saying circumstances warranted his public criticism of his successor -- something that former presidents usually don't do.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/remake-the-world-barack-obama-urges-youngsters-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342779" hreflang="en">'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a></p>

<p>Obama also recently defended his role in the election of Jo Biden. He actively campaigned for Biden, unusual for former presidents.</p>

<p>"It is not my preference to be out there… I think we were in a circumstance in this election in which certain norms, certain institutional values that are so extraordinarily important, had been breached. That it was important for me, as somebody who had served in that office, to simply let people know, 'This is not normal’”, he said.</p>


Former United States President Barack Obama recently claimed that election results show the deep divide in the country. Each candidate - the Republican and incumbent President Donald Trump and Democrat President-elect Joe Biden received over 70 million votes, signifying the close winning margin.

Former United States President Barack Obama recently claimed that election results show the deep divide in the country. Each candidate - the Republican and incumbent President Donald Trump and Democrat President-elect Joe Biden received over 70 million votes, signifying the close winning margin. "What it says is that we are still deeply divided. The power of that alternative worldview that's presented in the media that those voters consume - it carries a lot of weight," Obama said during an interview on CBS. “It's very hard for our democracy to function if we are operating on just completely different sets of facts”, the former president added. Obama has been doing a series of interviews leading up to the release of his memoir - “A Promised Land”, set to release on November 17. Also read: Vanity, ego and Biden: Barack Obama is at his candid best ahead of book launch In the book, Obama looks back at his presidency, and his childhood among many things. Obama is the country’s first black president. In the book, he has also taken on Donald Trump and his racist policies. The publication of Obama's new memoir, A Promised Land, which covers the events of his eight years in the White House coincides with his interview with Oprah Winfrey - two short clips from which have been released. Biden, Obama’s vice-president from 2009 to 2017, was declared as the president-elect by the US media networks while incumbent president Donald Trump continues to refuse to concede defeat in the November 3 vote. Obama on Sunday defended his active campaigning for President-elect Joe Biden, his former vice president, saying circumstances warranted his public criticism of his successor -- something that former presidents usually don't do. Also read: 'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' Obama also recently defended his role in the election of Jo Biden. He actively campaigned for Biden, unusual for former presidents. "It is not my preference to be out there… I think we were in a circumstance in this election in which certain norms, certain institutional values that are so extraordinarily important, had been breached. That it was important for me, as somebody who had served in that office, to simply let people know, 'This is not normal’”, he said.

'We are still deeply divided', says former US President Obama while referring to election results

The most controversial part of the ACA when it passed was the requirement that people either buy health insurance or pay a penalty.

'There's no reason to strike down Obamacare', says Former U.S President Barack Obama

<p>A judge has rejected the White House's limitations on a programme protecting 700,000 "Dreamers" -- undocumented migrants brought to the United States as children.</p>

<p>The ruling is another victory for proponents of the Barack Obama-era programme -- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) -- after the US Supreme Court in June rejected Trump's cancellation of it.</p>

<p>The federal judge in New York ruled that President Donald Trump's acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf was not lawfully serving in his role when he issued the new rules for the DACA programme in July.</p>

<p>Wolf, who has not been confirmed in his role by the US Senate,&nbsp;issued new restrictions on the programme in response to the Supreme Court ruling.</p>

<p>President-elect Joe Biden, who defeated Trump in the November 3 votes, had pledged to reinstate the programme when he takes office on January 20.</p>

<p>The court Saturday said Wolf's restrictions "effectively suspended" DACA, while the Trump administration reviewed how to proceed.</p>

<p>Wolf's rules said new applications would not be accepted and renewals would be limited to one year instead of two.</p>

<p>They are now invalid because Wolf "was not lawfully serving as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Act" when he issued them, the ruling said.</p>

<p>Trump entered office promising to halt almost all immigration and to expel the more than 10 million people estimated living in the country, many for decades, without legal immigration documents.</p>

<p>The Obama administration sought to address the issue in 2012, with the DACA policy offering protection at renewable two-year periods, including authorisation to work, to people brought into the United States illegally as children and then growing up here.</p>

<p>DACA, and the subsequent DAPA program -- Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents -- were executive actions by Obama to eliminate the constant threat of deportation for more than four million undocumented migrants.</p>

<p>Trump canceled DAPA just after coming to office and then went after the more established DACA, but immediately faced a series of court battles over it.</p>


A judge has rejected the White House's limitations on a programme protecting 700,000 "Dreamers" -- undocumented migrants brought to the United States as children.

A judge has rejected the White House's limitations on a programme protecting 700,000 "Dreamers" -- undocumented migrants brought to the United States as children. The ruling is another victory for proponents of the Barack Obama-era programme -- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) -- after the US Supreme Court in June rejected Trump's cancellation of it. The federal judge in New York ruled that President Donald Trump's acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf was not lawfully serving in his role when he issued the new rules for the DACA programme in July. Wolf, who has not been confirmed in his role by the US Senate, issued new restrictions on the programme in response to the Supreme Court ruling. President-elect Joe Biden, who defeated Trump in the November 3 votes, had pledged to reinstate the programme when he takes office on January 20. The court Saturday said Wolf's restrictions "effectively suspended" DACA, while the Trump administration reviewed how to proceed. Wolf's rules said new applications would not be accepted and renewals would be limited to one year instead of two. They are now invalid because Wolf "was not lawfully serving as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Act" when he issued them, the ruling said. Trump entered office promising to halt almost all immigration and to expel the more than 10 million people estimated living in the country, many for decades, without legal immigration documents. The Obama administration sought to address the issue in 2012, with the DACA policy offering protection at renewable two-year periods, including authorisation to work, to people brought into the United States illegally as children and then growing up here. DACA, and the subsequent DAPA program -- Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents -- were executive actions by Obama to eliminate the constant threat of deportation for more than four million undocumented migrants. Trump canceled DAPA just after coming to office and then went after the more established DACA, but immediately faced a series of court battles over it.

Court rules for 'Dreamers', rejects Trump's limits on immigration programme

<p>Former President Barack Obama says in his upcoming book that the divisions in America "run deep" and the departure of Donald Trump from the White House will not be enough to bridge the divide.<br />
In an excerpt from "A Promised Land," which goes on sale on Tuesday, Obama reflects on the four years since he left office.</p>

<p>"Our democracy seems to be teetering on the brink of crisis -- a crisis rooted in a fundamental contest between two opposing visions of what America is and what it should be," Obama said in the excerpt published on Thursday in The Atlantic.</p>

<p>The crisis "has left the body politic divided, angry, and mistrustful," he said.</p>

<p>It has also "allowed for an ongoing breach of institutional norms, procedural safeguards, and the adherence to basic facts that both Republicans and Democrats once took for granted."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-presidential-elections-reflections-of-an-outside-observer-342640"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;US Presidential Elections: Reflections of an outside observer</strong></a></p>

<p>Obama said he was "encouraged" by the election victory of his former vice president, Joe Biden, and his running mate Kamala Harris, and their "character and capacity to do what is right."</p>

<p>"But I also know that no single election will settle the matter," Obama said. "Our divisions run deep; our challenges are daunting."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nervous-unformed-obamas-impression-of-rahul-gandhi-343053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"If I remain hopeful about the future, it's in large part because I've learned to place my faith in my fellow citizens, especially those of the next generation," he said.</p>

<p>"My book is for those young people -- an invitation to once again remake the world, and to bring about, through hard work, determination, and a big dose of imagination, an America that finally aligns with all that is best in us," Obama said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-former-united-states-president-barack-obama-predict-the-seriousness-of-a-coronavirus-like-pandemic-in-2014-293157"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Did former United States President Barack Obama predict the seriousness of a coronavirus-like pandemic in 2014?</strong></a></p>

<p>In the 768-page first volume of his memoirs, the 44th US president reveals that he writes longhand with a pen on a yellow pad instead of on a computer and confesses to an inability to be concise.</p>

<p>He talks about trying to "find a discreet location to grab an evening smoke" while at the White House and how "drained, physically and emotionally" he and his wife, Michelle Obama, were when they left the White House in January 2017.</p>

<p>"For a month, Michelle and I slept late, ate leisurely dinners, went for long walks, swam in the ocean, took stock, replenished our friendship, rediscovered our love, and planned for a less eventful but hopefully no less satisfying second act," he said.</p>


Former President Barack Obama says in his upcoming book that the divisions in America "run deep" and the departure of Donald Trump from the White House will not be enough to bridge the divide.

Former President Barack Obama says in his upcoming book that the divisions in America "run deep" and the departure of Donald Trump from the White House will not be enough to bridge the divide. In an excerpt from "A Promised Land," which goes on sale on Tuesday, Obama reflects on the four years since he left office. "Our democracy seems to be teetering on the brink of crisis -- a crisis rooted in a fundamental contest between two opposing visions of what America is and what it should be," Obama said in the excerpt published on Thursday in The Atlantic. The crisis "has left the body politic divided, angry, and mistrustful," he said. It has also "allowed for an ongoing breach of institutional norms, procedural safeguards, and the adherence to basic facts that both Republicans and Democrats once took for granted." Also read| US Presidential Elections: Reflections of an outside observer Obama said he was "encouraged" by the election victory of his former vice president, Joe Biden, and his running mate Kamala Harris, and their "character and capacity to do what is right." "But I also know that no single election will settle the matter," Obama said. "Our divisions run deep; our challenges are daunting." × "If I remain hopeful about the future, it's in large part because I've learned to place my faith in my fellow citizens, especially those of the next generation," he said. "My book is for those young people -- an invitation to once again remake the world, and to bring about, through hard work, determination, and a big dose of imagination, an America that finally aligns with all that is best in us," Obama said. Also read| Did former United States President Barack Obama predict the seriousness of a coronavirus-like pandemic in 2014? In the 768-page first volume of his memoirs, the 44th US president reveals that he writes longhand with a pen on a yellow pad instead of on a computer and confesses to an inability to be concise. He talks about trying to "find a discreet location to grab an evening smoke" while at the White House and how "drained, physically and emotionally" he and his wife, Michelle Obama, were when they left the White House in January 2017. "For a month, Michelle and I slept late, ate leisurely dinners, went for long walks, swam in the ocean, took stock, replenished our friendship, rediscovered our love, and planned for a less eventful but hopefully no less satisfying second act," he said.

'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'

<p>In his new memoir called 'A Promised Land', the former US President Barack Obama has opened up about several political leaders from around the world. Two of these descriptions include the Indian politician&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi and former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, according to the New York Times.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-sonias-beauty-to-manmohans-integrity-heres-what-barack-obama-wrote-on-congress-leaders-342800"><strong>Also read | From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders</strong></a><br />
<br />
Talking about the former Prime Minister, who is also responsible for various important economic reforms of the country, Obama said he could sense a kind of impassive integrity. "Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh both come across as having a kind of impassive integrity," he has been quoted by The New York Times.</p>

<p>However, Rahul Gandhi's description was of a different category. Obama compared Rahul Gandhi to a school student who was eager to impress a teacher.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nervous-unformed-obamas-impression-of-rahul-gandhi-343053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Rahul Gandhi has 'a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who'd done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," Obama says in his book.</p>

<p>Gandhi had met Obama during his India visit in 2017, and had taken to share a picture with him.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Had a fruitful chat with President <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarackObama</a> Great to meet him again. <a href="https://t.co/LCJKGBg0Qr">pic.twitter.com/LCJKGBg0Qr</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/936621593832448000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Former President also talks about the Russian President Vladimir Putin calling him 'physically unremarkable'. "Vladimir Putin reminds him of the tough, street-smart ward bosses who used to run the Chicago machine. Also on Putin: "Physically, he was unremarkable"</p>

<p>He also talked about the&nbsp;46th President-elect of the US and his former Vice President, Joe Biden saying he is "a decent, honest, loyal man who Obama senses 'might get prickly if he thought he wasn't given his due - a quality that might flare up when dealing with a much younger boss'," Obama has been quoted in The New York Times.</p>


In his new memoir called 'A Promised Land', the former US President Barack Obama has opened up about several political leaders from around the world. Two of these descriptions include the Indian politician Rahul Gandhi and former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, according to the New York Times.

In his new memoir called 'A Promised Land', the former US President Barack Obama has opened up about several political leaders from around the world. Two of these descriptions include the Indian politician Rahul Gandhi and former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, according to the New York Times. Also read | From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders Talking about the former Prime Minister, who is also responsible for various important economic reforms of the country, Obama said he could sense a kind of impassive integrity. "Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh both come across as having a kind of impassive integrity," he has been quoted by The New York Times. However, Rahul Gandhi's description was of a different category. Obama compared Rahul Gandhi to a school student who was eager to impress a teacher. × "Rahul Gandhi has 'a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who'd done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," Obama says in his book. Gandhi had met Obama during his India visit in 2017, and had taken to share a picture with him. Had a fruitful chat with President @BarackObama Great to meet him again. pic.twitter.com/LCJKGBg0Qr — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 1, 2017 × The Former President also talks about the Russian President Vladimir Putin calling him 'physically unremarkable'. "Vladimir Putin reminds him of the tough, street-smart ward bosses who used to run the Chicago machine. Also on Putin: "Physically, he was unremarkable" He also talked about the 46th President-elect of the US and his former Vice President, Joe Biden saying he is "a decent, honest, loyal man who Obama senses 'might get prickly if he thought he wasn't given his due - a quality that might flare up when dealing with a much younger boss'," Obama has been quoted in The New York Times.

Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'

<p>In his memoir which will be up for sale on Tuesday, former US president Barack Obama has revealed that President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>was not in favour of raid in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Joe weighed in against the raid," Obama wrote in 'A Promised Land', referring to the Navy Seals mission in Abbottabad, Pakistan in May 2011, as reported by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-sonias-beauty-to-manmohans-integrity-heres-what-barack-obama-wrote-on-congress-leaders-342800">From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders</a></strong></p>

<p>It is so far not clear whether Biden advised against the raid or not, but during this presidential election, Republicans attacked him via ads that he was completely against the action on Laden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-like-a-child-trying-to-impress-teacher-barack-obama-says-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342781">Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a></strong></p>

<p>Biden has claimed that in a group discussion on the raid, he urged Obama to take more time, saying "don't go". He added that subsequently, he told the president to follow his "instincts".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Obama further wrote that Obama, like defence secretary Robert Gates, was concerned about "the enormous consequences of failure" and suggested president to "defer any decision until the intelligence community was more certain that bin Laden was in the compound".</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nervous-unformed-obamas-impression-of-rahul-gandhi-343053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I appreciated Joe's willingness to buck the prevailing mood and ask tough questions, often in the interest of giving me the space I needed for my own internal deliberations," Obama wrote.&nbsp;</p>


In his memoir which will be up for sale on Tuesday, former US president Barack Obama has revealed that President-elect Joe Biden was not in favour of raid in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden.

In his memoir which will be up for sale on Tuesday, former US president Barack Obama has revealed that President-elect Joe Biden was not in favour of raid in Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden. "Joe weighed in against the raid," Obama wrote in 'A Promised Land', referring to the Navy Seals mission in Abbottabad, Pakistan in May 2011, as reported by The Guardian. Also read | From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders It is so far not clear whether Biden advised against the raid or not, but during this presidential election, Republicans attacked him via ads that he was completely against the action on Laden. Also read | Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' Biden has claimed that in a group discussion on the raid, he urged Obama to take more time, saying "don't go". He added that subsequently, he told the president to follow his "instincts". Obama further wrote that Obama, like defence secretary Robert Gates, was concerned about "the enormous consequences of failure" and suggested president to "defer any decision until the intelligence community was more certain that bin Laden was in the compound". × "I appreciated Joe's willingness to buck the prevailing mood and ask tough questions, often in the interest of giving me the space I needed for my own internal deliberations," Obama wrote.

Joe Biden advised against raid that killed Osama bin Laden, says Obama's new book

<p>Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions&nbsp;several senior Indian leaders from Congress.</p>

<p>Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi find mention in the book.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-like-a-child-trying-to-impress-teacher-barack-obama-says-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342781">Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a></strong></p>

<p>Obama compared Singh with former US Secretary of Defence Bob Gates, saying both coming across as "having a kind of impassive integrity".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remake-the-world-barack-obama-urges-youngsters-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342779">'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a></strong></p>

<p>The former president also wrote about Sonia's beauty, saying "we are told of the handsomeness of men like Charlie Crist and Rahm Emanuel, but not the beauty of women, except for one or two instances, as in the case of Sonia Gandhi."</p>

<p>While describing Rahul Gandhi, Obama called him a "student" who "was eager to impress the teacher" but lacked "either the aptitude or the aptitude to master the subject".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul has "a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who’d done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," writes Obama.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nervous-unformed-obamas-impression-of-rahul-gandhi-343053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Obama also wrote on the recent US President-elect Joe Biden, who was also the vice president during his tenure, saying: "He is a decent man who might get prickly if he thought he wasn’t given his due –– a quality that might flare up when dealing with a much younger boss".&nbsp;</p>


Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions several senior Indian leaders from Congress.

Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions several senior Indian leaders from Congress. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi find mention in the book. Also read | Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' Obama compared Singh with former US Secretary of Defence Bob Gates, saying both coming across as "having a kind of impassive integrity". Also read | 'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' The former president also wrote about Sonia's beauty, saying "we are told of the handsomeness of men like Charlie Crist and Rahm Emanuel, but not the beauty of women, except for one or two instances, as in the case of Sonia Gandhi." While describing Rahul Gandhi, Obama called him a "student" who "was eager to impress the teacher" but lacked "either the aptitude or the aptitude to master the subject". Rahul has "a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who’d done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," writes Obama. × Obama also wrote on the recent US President-elect Joe Biden, who was also the vice president during his tenure, saying: "He is a decent man who might get prickly if he thought he wasn’t given his due –– a quality that might flare up when dealing with a much younger boss".

From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders

'A Promised land' by Barack Obama, In this book Barack Obama wrote about some political leaders around the world

Former US President Barack Obama launches new book

<p>Two former senior U.S. intelligence officials - Michael Morell and Avril Haines - have emerged as leading contenders to serve as Director of National Intelligence or run the CIA in President-elect Joe Biden`s administration, several current and former intelligence officials said.</p>

<p>Morell served as the Central Intelligence Agency`s deputy director in the Obama Administration between 2010 and 2013, and during that time also served two stints as acting agency director.</p>

<p>Haines, served as CIA deputy director and as President Barack Obama`s deputy national security advisor, said the sources.</p>

<p>Haines declined to comment and Morell could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for Biden`s transition team declined to comment.</p>

<p>Some former Democratic aides have raised concerns about Haines and Morell because they served at CIA when the agency used "enhanced interrogation" techniques on suspected Islamist militants, practices that a Senate Intelligence Committee investigation have labeled as torture.</p>

<p>Other names being discussed by both Democratic Party and intelligence officials as possible candidates for Director of National Intelligence include Michael Leiter, a former DNI official and former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, a branch of the DNI`s office, and Mike Rogers, a former Republican Congressman who chaired the House Intelligence Committee, the sources said.</p>


Two former senior U.S. intelligence officials - Michael Morell and Avril Haines - have emerged as leading contenders to serve as Director of National Intelligence or run the CIA in President-elect Joe Biden`s administration, several current and former intelligence officials said.

Two former senior U.S. intelligence officials - Michael Morell and Avril Haines - have emerged as leading contenders to serve as Director of National Intelligence or run the CIA in President-elect Joe Biden`s administration, several current and former intelligence officials said. Morell served as the Central Intelligence Agency`s deputy director in the Obama Administration between 2010 and 2013, and during that time also served two stints as acting agency director. Haines, served as CIA deputy director and as President Barack Obama`s deputy national security advisor, said the sources. Haines declined to comment and Morell could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for Biden`s transition team declined to comment. Some former Democratic aides have raised concerns about Haines and Morell because they served at CIA when the agency used "enhanced interrogation" techniques on suspected Islamist militants, practices that a Senate Intelligence Committee investigation have labeled as torture. Other names being discussed by both Democratic Party and intelligence officials as possible candidates for Director of National Intelligence include Michael Leiter, a former DNI official and former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, a branch of the DNI`s office, and Mike Rogers, a former Republican Congressman who chaired the House Intelligence Committee, the sources said.

Former Obama officials Morell, Haines likely candidates for Biden spy jobs

<p>US election 2020: US election 2020: Donald Trump and Joe Biden continue to fight it out as votes are counted across the United States, including in many key states including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. | <strong><em>Live election updates <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-results-live-result-updates-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-donald-trump-joe-biden-president-white-house-340694">here</a></em></strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-voters-in-battleground-arizona-fear-their-votes-are-invalid-due-to-sharpie-pens-is-sharpiegate-real-340659" hreflang="en">Trump voters in battleground Arizona fear their votes are invalid due to Sharpie pens. Is 'Sharpiegate' real?</a></p>

<p>On Wednesday, former American Vice President and Democrat Presidential candidate Joe Biden broke the record for receiving the highest votes ever for a presidential candidate in the history of US politics.</p>

<p><strong>US election 2020: Biden gets over 70 million votes</strong></p>

<p>By 2.30 PM ET, Biden had clocked in over 70.8 million votes, as per results put together by Decision Desk HQ. Biden broke Obama’s record, who had received 69,456,897 votes in 2008.</p>

<p>Currently, the ballots are being counted across the country, especially in battleground states. As of now, no candidate has secured 270 electoral votes, which are necessary to win the elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-demands-vote-count-to-stop-in-battleground-states-counteveryvote-trends-340625" hreflang="en">As Trump demands vote count to stop in battleground states, #CountEveryVote trends</a></p>

<p>Most polls claimed that Biden would win the elections, but with both the candidates fighting neck-and-neck, the results remain hard to predict.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-cliffhanger-captivates-world-americas-allies-rivals-watch-for-whats-next-340626/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>As of now, Biden is leading the incumbent president Donald Trump by 3 million votes, and is expected to win the popular vote.</p>

<p>In 2016 too, Trump had lost popular votes to Hillary Clinton by 3 million. However, he did beat his 2016 numbers, whereby he had secured 62,980,160 votes. This time, he has clocked in 68 million votes.</p>

<p><strong>US election 2020: Trump claims victory</strong></p>

<p>Trump&nbsp;declared his victory before the official count ended, while Joe Biden announced that he will emerge victorious after all the votes are accounted for.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-can-united-states-supreme-court-be-the-final-arbiter-340619" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Can United States Supreme Court be the final arbiter?</a></p>

<p>US president Trump had recently called on the counting to stop, while earlier claiming that the results should be declared on the same day as the election - November 3. He also claimed that due to ongoing counting, chances of voting fraud in the elections are high.</p>

<p>In key states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, vote counting is underway. And a ruling by a top court in Pennsylvania had recently allowed counting mail-in ballots that arrive upto 3 days after the election date, something Trump has vowed to challenge.</p>


US election 2020: US election 2020: Donald Trump and Joe Biden continue to fight it out as votes are counted across the United States, including in many key states including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.

US election 2020: US election 2020: Donald Trump and Joe Biden continue to fight it out as votes are counted across the United States, including in many key states including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. | Live election updates here Also read: Trump voters in battleground Arizona fear their votes are invalid due to Sharpie pens. Is 'Sharpiegate' real? On Wednesday, former American Vice President and Democrat Presidential candidate Joe Biden broke the record for receiving the highest votes ever for a presidential candidate in the history of US politics. US election 2020: Biden gets over 70 million votes By 2.30 PM ET, Biden had clocked in over 70.8 million votes, as per results put together by Decision Desk HQ. Biden broke Obama’s record, who had received 69,456,897 votes in 2008. Currently, the ballots are being counted across the country, especially in battleground states. As of now, no candidate has secured 270 electoral votes, which are necessary to win the elections. Also read: As Trump demands vote count to stop in battleground states, #CountEveryVote trends Most polls claimed that Biden would win the elections, but with both the candidates fighting neck-and-neck, the results remain hard to predict. As of now, Biden is leading the incumbent president Donald Trump by 3 million votes, and is expected to win the popular vote. In 2016 too, Trump had lost popular votes to Hillary Clinton by 3 million. However, he did beat his 2016 numbers, whereby he had secured 62,980,160 votes. This time, he has clocked in 68 million votes. US election 2020: Trump claims victory Trump declared his victory before the official count ended, while Joe Biden announced that he will emerge victorious after all the votes are accounted for. Also read: US election 2020: Can United States Supreme Court be the final arbiter? US president Trump had recently called on the counting to stop, while earlier claiming that the results should be declared on the same day as the election - November 3. He also claimed that due to ongoing counting, chances of voting fraud in the elections are high. In key states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, vote counting is underway. And a ruling by a top court in Pennsylvania had recently allowed counting mail-in ballots that arrive upto 3 days after the election date, something Trump has vowed to challenge.

Joe Biden breaks Obama's record, amasses most votes in US election history

<p>The former President of the United States, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/barack-obama"><strong>Barack Obama</strong></a>, has urged people to get out and vote. Obama has warned people that many people will try to intimidate and keep them home but Americans need to step out and vast their ballots.</p>

<p>Obama took to social media platform Twitter to encourage voters to cast their ballots, and not let anyone tell them otherwise. He told people that they have the right to vote if they are in the line. "If you are in line to vote before polls close, you have the right to vote. Stay in line for as long as it takes," he tweeted, adding the voter assistance hotline number for any queries that the voters might have.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-Trump-wins-Kentucky-joe-Biden-Vermont-340293"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020 result LIVE updates: Biden set to win NY as polls close in more than a dozen states</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There's a reason some folks are trying to make it hard for you to vote: They know that if you do, things change. And that's why the answer isn't to stay at home. It's to turn out like never before and show them what this country stands for.</p>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1323770228191465472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He also hinted that the opposition party may try to intimidate or mislead the voters. Stressing about the need to stand&nbsp;in line to cast their vote, Obama reminded Americans that this how a change will be brought in the country — an approach the Democratic Party has been taking to promote their candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden"><strong>Joe Biden.</strong></a></p>

<p>"There's a reason some folks are trying to make it hard for you to vote: They know that if you do, things change. And that's why the answer isn't to stay at home. It's to turn out like never before and show them what this country stands for," his tweet read.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-joe-biden-wins-delaware-district-of-columbia-maryland-massachusetts-trump-wins-oklahoma-340312"><strong>READ MORE |&nbsp;Joe Biden wins Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts; Trump wins Oklahoma</strong></a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everything-is-on-the-line-proclaims-obama-while-urging-americans-to-vote-340277">Obama had earlier too shared a video on Twitter </a>urging people to vote for a change. Painting a picture of poisitivity he said, "This Election Day, everything is on the line. Our jobs. Our health care. Whether or not we get this pandemic under control. But here’s the good news: today, you can choose change. You can elect&nbsp;@JoeBiden&nbsp;and&nbsp;@KamalaHarris. Let’s win this thing."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This Election Day, everything is on the line. Our jobs. Our health care. Whether or not we get this pandemic under control. But here’s the good news: today, you can choose change. You can elect <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>. Let’s win this thing. <a href="https://t.co/rvW2uOknpl">pic.twitter.com/rvW2uOknpl</a></p>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1323726205993033728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Donald Trump Jr., too, took to Twitter to urge his father's supporters to get out and cast their ballots and help th trump family stay in White House for another four years. "If you are in line before the polls close they have to let you vote get in line and wait… Do not leave. Get your vote cast and get Donald Trump another four years of winning," he tweeted.</p>

<p><strong>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-set-to-win-in-indiana-kentucky-exit-poll-340300">Trump set to win in Indiana, Kentucky: Exit Poll</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If you are in line before the polls close they have to let you vote get in line and wait… Do not leave. Get your vote cast and get Donald Trump another four years of winning.</p>
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1323770998009847808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The United States is currently voting for their next President. The fight this year is between the current President <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;</strong>who is representing the Republican Party, and Joe Biden who is fighting for the Democrats. As of now, Trump is leading in Alabama, Mississippi,&nbsp;Arkansas,&nbsp;Oklahoma, Tennessee. Biden has wn majority in the states of&nbsp;Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware and Connecticut.</p>


The former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has urged people to get out and vote. Obama has warned people that many people will try to intimidate and keep them home but Americans need to step out and vast their ballots.

The former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has urged people to get out and vote. Obama has warned people that many people will try to intimidate and keep them home but Americans need to step out and vast their ballots. Obama took to social media platform Twitter to encourage voters to cast their ballots, and not let anyone tell them otherwise. He told people that they have the right to vote if they are in the line. "If you are in line to vote before polls close, you have the right to vote. Stay in line for as long as it takes," he tweeted, adding the voter assistance hotline number for any queries that the voters might have. Also read| US election 2020 result LIVE updates: Biden set to win NY as polls close in more than a dozen states There's a reason some folks are trying to make it hard for you to vote: They know that if you do, things change. And that's why the answer isn't to stay at home. It's to turn out like never before and show them what this country stands for. — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 3, 2020 × He also hinted that the opposition party may try to intimidate or mislead the voters. Stressing about the need to stand in line to cast their vote, Obama reminded Americans that this how a change will be brought in the country — an approach the Democratic Party has been taking to promote their candidate Joe Biden. "There's a reason some folks are trying to make it hard for you to vote: They know that if you do, things change. And that's why the answer isn't to stay at home. It's to turn out like never before and show them what this country stands for," his tweet read. READ MORE | Joe Biden wins Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts; Trump wins Oklahoma Obama had earlier too shared a video on Twitter urging people to vote for a change. Painting a picture of poisitivity he said, "This Election Day, everything is on the line. Our jobs. Our health care. Whether or not we get this pandemic under control. But here’s the good news: today, you can choose change. You can elect @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Let’s win this thing." This Election Day, everything is on the line. Our jobs. Our health care. Whether or not we get this pandemic under control. But here’s the good news: today, you can choose change. You can elect @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Let’s win this thing. pic.twitter.com/rvW2uOknpl — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 3, 2020 × Donald Trump Jr., too, took to Twitter to urge his father's supporters to get out and cast their ballots and help th trump family stay in White House for another four years. "If you are in line before the polls close they have to let you vote get in line and wait… Do not leave. Get your vote cast and get Donald Trump another four years of winning," he tweeted. Read More: Trump set to win in Indiana, Kentucky: Exit Poll If you are in line before the polls close they have to let you vote get in line and wait… Do not leave. Get your vote cast and get Donald Trump another four years of winning. — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) November 3, 2020 × The United States is currently voting for their next President. The fight this year is between the current President Donald Trump who is representing the Republican Party, and Joe Biden who is fighting for the Democrats. As of now, Trump is leading in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee. Biden has wn majority in the states of Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware and Connecticut.

Barack Obama urges people to not let anyone mislead them near US Election 2020 result

<p>The United States is currently voting for its next president. The incumbent President Donald Trump is fighting against Democratic hopeful Joe Biden in the 2020 US elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-country-entitled-to-know-who-won-on-november-3-says-trump-340238" hreflang="en">US Elections 2020: Country entitled to know who won on November 3, says Trump</a></p>

<p>Former US President Barack Obama shared a message as parts of country begin to wind up the polling process. He has ferociously backed Joe Biden, who was the US Vice President during his presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This Election Day, everything is on the line. Our jobs. Our health care. Whether or not we get this pandemic under control. But here’s the good news: today, you can choose change”, the former president tweeted out.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This Election Day, everything is on the line. Our jobs. Our health care. Whether or not we get this pandemic under control. But here’s the good news: today, you can choose change. You can elect <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>. Let’s win this thing. <a href="https://t.co/rvW2uOknpl">pic.twitter.com/rvW2uOknpl</a></p>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1323726205993033728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He started off the clip with "This is it, folks. Right here, right now".</p>

<p>"The actions you take today will determine what kind of country we decide to be", he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While urging Americans to go out and vote, clips of Obama campaigning for Biden were shown, wherein he said: "Imagine January 20th, when we swear in president and a vice president who have a plan to get us out of this mess".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-over-100-million-votes-cast-california-leads-in-polling-340203" hreflang="en">US Elections 2020: Over 100 million votes cast; California leads in polling</a></p>

<p>He's not the only one. American leaders belonging to both the Republican and Democratic parties are urging people to vote in what many have dubbed the election of a lifetime.</p>

<p>As voters line up to vote during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-over-100-million-votes-cast-california-leads-in-polling-340203">US elections</a>, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden's vice president pick Kamala Harris said "it is going to be a tight race, let's elect Joe Biden".</p>

<p>"Lets talk about the opportunity we have. We are in the middle of the pandemic. We have in our hands an option to elect Joe Biden who understands the dignity of life and love," the Democratic vice-presidential hopeful declared.</p>

<p><strong>In Pics:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-election-2020-heres-what-voting-looks-like-in-uncertain-times-340260" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Here's what voting looks like in uncertain times</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Jill Biden campaigning for her husband Joe Biden said that "Florida is a very important state. We're hoping to win it."</p>

<p>Pitching for her husband, Jill Biden told voters that "character's on the ballot and Joe and Donald Trump could not be more opposite."</p>


The United States is currently voting for its next president. The incumbent President Donald Trump is fighting against Democratic hopeful Joe Biden in the 2020 US elections.

The United States is currently voting for its next president. The incumbent President Donald Trump is fighting against Democratic hopeful Joe Biden in the 2020 US elections. Also read: US Elections 2020: Country entitled to know who won on November 3, says Trump Former US President Barack Obama shared a message as parts of country begin to wind up the polling process. He has ferociously backed Joe Biden, who was the US Vice President during his presidency. “This Election Day, everything is on the line. Our jobs. Our health care. Whether or not we get this pandemic under control. But here’s the good news: today, you can choose change”, the former president tweeted out. This Election Day, everything is on the line. Our jobs. Our health care. Whether or not we get this pandemic under control. But here’s the good news: today, you can choose change. You can elect @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Let’s win this thing. pic.twitter.com/rvW2uOknpl — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 3, 2020 × He started off the clip with "This is it, folks. Right here, right now". "The actions you take today will determine what kind of country we decide to be", he added. While urging Americans to go out and vote, clips of Obama campaigning for Biden were shown, wherein he said: "Imagine January 20th, when we swear in president and a vice president who have a plan to get us out of this mess". Also read: US Elections 2020: Over 100 million votes cast; California leads in polling He's not the only one. American leaders belonging to both the Republican and Democratic parties are urging people to vote in what many have dubbed the election of a lifetime. As voters line up to vote during US elections, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden's vice president pick Kamala Harris said "it is going to be a tight race, let's elect Joe Biden". "Lets talk about the opportunity we have. We are in the middle of the pandemic. We have in our hands an option to elect Joe Biden who understands the dignity of life and love," the Democratic vice-presidential hopeful declared. In Pics: US election 2020: Here's what voting looks like in uncertain times Meanwhile, Jill Biden campaigning for her husband Joe Biden said that "Florida is a very important state. We're hoping to win it." Pitching for her husband, Jill Biden told voters that "character's on the ballot and Joe and Donald Trump could not be more opposite."

'Everything is on the line', proclaims Obama while urging Americans to vote

<p>He was attempting to land Democrat Joe Biden an electoral slam dunk, but former president Barack Obama nailed a 3-pointer instead. Literally.</p>

<p>On the campaign trail Saturday at a high school gym in Flint, Michigan, Obama, who is known for his skill on the court, was passed a basketball as he left the room.</p>

<p>The ex-president dribbled, then sank the 3-pointer from the corner before casually resuming his exit and telling the campaign entourage confidently that "that's what I do."</p>

<p>Video of the shot -- posted to Twitter by both Obama and Biden's traveling digital director Olivia Raisner -- quickly went viral, gaining hundreds of thousands of likes and praise from none other than LeBron James, recently named Most Valuable Player of the 2020 NBA Finals.</p>

<p>"Now you just showing out now my friend!!" James tweeted. "That's what you do huh?? Ok ok I see. All cash!"</p>

<p>Biden, who was Obama's vice president, made his first joint appearance of the campaign with his former boss in Flint, scrambling to boost turnout ahead of Tuesday's election against Republican incumbent President Donald Trump who is trailing in the polls.</p>

<p>Shooting hoops on election day is a tradition for Obama, even when his name is not on the ballot.</p>

<p>The habit is reportedly part superstition for the ex-president who skipped the court during voting in the New Hampshire Democratic primary in 2008 and lost the race to then-senator Hillary Clinton.</p>


He was attempting to land Democrat Joe Biden an electoral slam dunk, but former president Barack Obama nailed a 3-pointer instead. Literally. On the campaign trail Saturday at a high school gym in Flint, Michigan, Obama, who is known for his skill on the court, was passed a basketball as he left the room.

He was attempting to land Democrat Joe Biden an electoral slam dunk, but former president Barack Obama nailed a 3-pointer instead. Literally. On the campaign trail Saturday at a high school gym in Flint, Michigan, Obama, who is known for his skill on the court, was passed a basketball as he left the room. The ex-president dribbled, then sank the 3-pointer from the corner before casually resuming his exit and telling the campaign entourage confidently that "that's what I do." Video of the shot -- posted to Twitter by both Obama and Biden's traveling digital director Olivia Raisner -- quickly went viral, gaining hundreds of thousands of likes and praise from none other than LeBron James, recently named Most Valuable Player of the 2020 NBA Finals. "Now you just showing out now my friend!!" James tweeted. "That's what you do huh?? Ok ok I see. All cash!" Biden, who was Obama's vice president, made his first joint appearance of the campaign with his former boss in Flint, scrambling to boost turnout ahead of Tuesday's election against Republican incumbent President Donald Trump who is trailing in the polls. Shooting hoops on election day is a tradition for Obama, even when his name is not on the ballot. The habit is reportedly part superstition for the ex-president who skipped the court during voting in the New Hampshire Democratic primary in 2008 and lost the race to then-senator Hillary Clinton.

'That's what I do': Obama casually sinks 3-pointer on campaign trail

<p>Former US President Barack Obama has been campaigning for the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. During his drive-in campaign rally at the Northwestern High School in Michigan, Obama showed off his basketball skills.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video was shared by the former president on Twitter. In the video, Obama was seen scoring a perfect three-pointer before going out of high school. After showing off his skills, he added: "That’s what I do."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's the video:&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shoot your shot. <a href="https://t.co/XdZz4dh82T">https://t.co/XdZz4dh82T</a> <a href="https://t.co/elpBmzu6hV">pic.twitter.com/elpBmzu6hV</a></p>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1322679224692604928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The netizens went crazy on social media and gave apt reaction to Obama's skills.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Awesome 😎 <a href="https://t.co/EOD9WtPm5Q">pic.twitter.com/EOD9WtPm5Q</a></p>
— Laurie/Simba Cat (@llorenz1) <a href="https://twitter.com/llorenz1/status/1322679423829741569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is mine 😁 <a href="https://t.co/qrbWmD9tCd">pic.twitter.com/qrbWmD9tCd</a></p>
— i 😎Troll 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇮🇳 (@trollBigotry) <a href="https://twitter.com/trollBigotry/status/1322679462652203008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/22iVKWuyHy">pic.twitter.com/22iVKWuyHy</a></p>
— Banksta (@banksta62) <a href="https://twitter.com/banksta62/status/1322679522446118912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He shoots, he scores. So very cool.</p>
— Liz Jarvis (@LizJarvisUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/LizJarvisUK/status/1322679805494611969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The video has garnered over 9 million views and thousands of likes. Many, including Lakers star LeBron James, reacted to the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>James re-tweeted the video and said: "Now you just showing out now my friend!! That’s what you do huh?? Ok ok I see. All cash!"</p>


Former US President Barack Obama has been campaigning for the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. During his drive-in campaign rally at the Northwestern High School in Michigan, Obama showed off his basketball skills.

Former US President Barack Obama has been campaigning for the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. During his drive-in campaign rally at the Northwestern High School in Michigan, Obama showed off his basketball skills. The video was shared by the former president on Twitter. In the video, Obama was seen scoring a perfect three-pointer before going out of high school. After showing off his skills, he added: "That’s what I do." Here's the video: Shoot your shot. https://t.co/XdZz4dh82T pic.twitter.com/elpBmzu6hV — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 31, 2020 × The netizens went crazy on social media and gave apt reaction to Obama's skills. Awesome 😎 pic.twitter.com/EOD9WtPm5Q — Laurie/Simba Cat (@llorenz1) October 31, 2020 × Here is mine 😁 pic.twitter.com/qrbWmD9tCd — i 😎Troll 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇮🇳 (@trollBigotry) October 31, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/22iVKWuyHy — Banksta (@banksta62) October 31, 2020 × He shoots, he scores. So very cool. — Liz Jarvis (@LizJarvisUK) October 31, 2020 × The video has garnered over 9 million views and thousands of likes. Many, including Lakers star LeBron James, reacted to the video. James re-tweeted the video and said: "Now you just showing out now my friend!! That’s what you do huh?? Ok ok I see. All cash!"

'That's what I do': Netizens go crazy as Barack Obama shows off his basketball skills

<p>Launching a scathing attack on his successor at the White House, Former US president Barack Obama has accused Donald Trump of focusing on feeding his ego, saying he did not take the significant problem of the coronavirus pandemic seriously and had time to worry about other things.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rallies-led-to-30000-covid-19-infections-700-deaths-stanford-study-339425"><strong>Also read: Trump rallies led to 30,000 Covid-19 infections, 700 deaths: Stanford study</strong></a><br />
<br />
Obama's remarks included blistering rebukes of Trump -- including mocking his focus on crowd sizes and belittling his economic achievements -- but the events stood out from earlier Obama appearances because of the way the former President touted Biden's character.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-final-weekend-before-nov-3-vote-trump-and-biden-press-closing-arguments-339318"><strong>Also read: On the final weekend before Nov 3 vote, Trump and Biden press closing arguments</strong></a></p>

<p>"President Trump is focused on feeding his ego, while the Democratic presidential candidate Biden focused on decency and empathy," Obama said.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-joe-biden-leads-in-michigan-and-wisconsin-donald-trump-struggling-survey-339408"><strong>Also read | Joe Biden leads in Michigan and Wisconsin, Donald Trump struggling: Survey</strong></a></p>

<p>Obama, who was the 44th US president, blasted Trump for his policies and rhetoric.</p>

<p>"He hasn't shown any interest in doing the work or helping anybody but himself or his friends or treating the presidency as anything more than a reality show to give him the attention that he craves. But unfortunately, the rest of us have to live with the consequences," he said.</p>

<p>According to a new study by Stanford University researchers, about 18 election rallies by Donald Trump are estimated to have led to more than 30,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and likely claimed over 700 lives, stressing that the communities where the US President's rallies took place "paid a high price in terms of disease and death.”</p>

<p>Earlier on October 25, Claiming that Trump has no empathy and no concern for average Americans, Obama had said that the US president was seeking a second term only "to help himself" and his wealthy friends.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Biden and Harris are going to be in the fight, not for themselves, "but for you and us", he had said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Launching a scathing attack on his successor at the White House, Former US president Barack Obama has accused Donald Trump of focusing on feeding his ego, saying he did not take the significant problem of the coronavirus pandemic seriously and had time to worry about other things.

Launching a scathing attack on his successor at the White House, Former US president Barack Obama has accused Donald Trump of focusing on feeding his ego, saying he did not take the significant problem of the coronavirus pandemic seriously and had time to worry about other things. Also read: Trump rallies led to 30,000 Covid-19 infections, 700 deaths: Stanford study Obama's remarks included blistering rebukes of Trump -- including mocking his focus on crowd sizes and belittling his economic achievements -- but the events stood out from earlier Obama appearances because of the way the former President touted Biden's character. Also read: On the final weekend before Nov 3 vote, Trump and Biden press closing arguments "President Trump is focused on feeding his ego, while the Democratic presidential candidate Biden focused on decency and empathy," Obama said. Also read | Joe Biden leads in Michigan and Wisconsin, Donald Trump struggling: Survey Obama, who was the 44th US president, blasted Trump for his policies and rhetoric. "He hasn't shown any interest in doing the work or helping anybody but himself or his friends or treating the presidency as anything more than a reality show to give him the attention that he craves. But unfortunately, the rest of us have to live with the consequences," he said. According to a new study by Stanford University researchers, about 18 election rallies by Donald Trump are estimated to have led to more than 30,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and likely claimed over 700 lives, stressing that the communities where the US President's rallies took place "paid a high price in terms of disease and death.” Earlier on October 25, Claiming that Trump has no empathy and no concern for average Americans, Obama had said that the US president was seeking a second term only "to help himself" and his wealthy friends. On the other hand, Biden and Harris are going to be in the fight, not for themselves, "but for you and us", he had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump focused on feeding his ego, did not take pandemic seriously: Obama

<p>Jennifer Lawrence created headlines last week when she revealed that she supported the Democrats despite hailing from a family of Republicans. On Tuesday, the actress took to Twitter to reveal that how she grew up in a Republican household and changed her political standing during Barack Obama's tenure as President of the United States.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"I would like to clarify my voting record, which is the subject of many circulating headlines," she tweeted. "I grew up in a Republican family and voted for John McCain in 2008, but through Obama`s presidency, and growing up to realize I was voting against my own rights, I am proud to say I am a Democrat #Obama #HRC #BidenHarris," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Obama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Obama</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HRC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BidenHarris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BidenHarris</a> <a href="https://t.co/UgAoPhgZJV">pic.twitter.com/UgAoPhgZJV</a></p>
— Jennifer Lawrence - Represent.Us (@JLawrence_RepUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLawrence_RepUs/status/1321141203228766208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>For the upcoming US presidential election, Lawrence is casting her ballot for Democratic Party`s candidate Joe Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During her chat on `Absolutely Not,` the Oscar-winning actor said that she understood "the fiscal benefits of the Republican policies," but found that "the social issues weren`t in line with" her own beliefs.<br />
<br />
Lawrence had also said that she found former President Barack Obama`s presidency to be tamer in comparison to Donald Trump led current administration.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Jennifer Lawrence created headlines last week when she revealed that she supported the Democrats despite hailing from a family of Republicans. On Tuesday, the actress took to Twitter to reveal that how she grew up in a Republican household and changed her political standing during Barack Obama's tenure as President of the United States.

Jennifer Lawrence created headlines last week when she revealed that she supported the Democrats despite hailing from a family of Republicans. On Tuesday, the actress took to Twitter to reveal that how she grew up in a Republican household and changed her political standing during Barack Obama's tenure as President of the United States. "I would like to clarify my voting record, which is the subject of many circulating headlines," she tweeted. "I grew up in a Republican family and voted for John McCain in 2008, but through Obama`s presidency, and growing up to realize I was voting against my own rights, I am proud to say I am a Democrat #Obama #HRC #BidenHarris," she added. #Obama #HRC #BidenHarris pic.twitter.com/UgAoPhgZJV — Jennifer Lawrence - Represent.Us (@JLawrence_RepUs) October 27, 2020 × For the upcoming US presidential election, Lawrence is casting her ballot for Democratic Party`s candidate Joe Biden. During her chat on `Absolutely Not,` the Oscar-winning actor said that she understood "the fiscal benefits of the Republican policies," but found that "the social issues weren`t in line with" her own beliefs. Lawrence had also said that she found former President Barack Obama`s presidency to be tamer in comparison to Donald Trump led current administration.

Jennifer Lawrence says she has been voting against her own rights as a Republican

<p>US President Donald Trump is seeking a second term to help himself and his wealthy friends, Barack Obama has alleged, as he tore into his successor for not having a plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and walking out of an interview.</p>

<p>Seeking support for former vice president Joe Biden, who is the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, and his running mate Senator Kamala Harris, Obama at a drive-in car rally in the battle ground State of Florida on Saturday urged Americans not to give a second term to Trump.</p>

<p>Claiming that Trump has no empathy and no concern for average Americans, Obama, said the US president was seeking a second term only "to help himself" and his wealthy friends.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Biden and Harris are going to be in the fight, not for themselves, "but for you and us", he said.</p>

<p>"They're not going to surround themselves with hacks and lobbyists. They're going to surround themselves with people who care about you.</p>

<p>"That more than anything is what separates them from their opponents: They actually care about Americans, even the ones who aren't voting for them," Obama said at an election rally in Miami, Florida.</p>

<p>Miami Dade has the highest enrollment of any county in Florida.</p>

<p>Florida has the highest enrollment of any state in the country.</p>

<p>Nobody has a bigger stake in making sure those protections stay in place than right here in Florida, he said.</p>

<p>"We have got a POTUS who actually suggested selling Puerto Rico. Believe it or not, it could've been worse. He once asked our national security officials if he could nuke hurricanes. I mean, at least he didn't do that. A nuclear hurricane seems like it would have been bad," Obama said.</p>

<p>"I've sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president and they are very different people.</p>

<p>"You know, Donald Trump, I knew he wasn't going to embrace my vision, I knew he wasn't going to continue my policies, but I did hope that for the country's sake he would have shown at least a little bit of interest in taking the job seriously. That's not how it worked out," he said.</p>

<p>Obama criticised Trump for walking out of his interview with reporter Lesley Stahl of CBS News.</p>

<p>"He got mad and walked out of the 60 Minutes interview. He thought the questions were too tough. If he can't answer a tough question like 'what would you like to do in your second term,' then we can't give him a second term.</p>

<p>When 60 Minutes and Lesley Stahl are too tough for you, you ain't all that tough," he said.</p>

<p>"He was asked 'What is your new plan for the next phase of COVID?' Which is a pretty good question considering we just saw the highest number of cases spike up yesterday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So you'd think he'd be ready for a response. Instead, he just said it wasn't his fault and he didn't have (a plan). He doesn't have a plan, he doesn't even acknowledge the reality," Obama claimed.</p>

<p>Trump complained about being asked "tough questions".</p>

<p>The president cried foul about the interview on Tuesday, before releasing it on Facebook on Thursday.</p>

<p>Responding to Obama, Trump, in a tweet, later said that no one is showing up for the former US president.</p>

<p>"Nobody is showing up for Obama's hate laced speeches. 47 people! No energy, but still better than Joe!" he said.</p>

<p>Obama claimed that his administration left the White House a pandemic playbook that showed them how to respond before a virus reached the US shores.</p>

<p>"It must be lost along with the Republican healthcare plan. We can't find it. Eight months into this pandemic, new cases are breaking records. Donald Trump isn't suddenly going to protect all of us. He can't even take the basic steps to protect himself," he said.</p>

<p>"Florida man wouldn't even do this stuff. Why are we accepting it from the president of the United States? It's not normal behaviour,' he said.</p>

<p>Obama said that Biden was not a socialist.</p>

<p>"Look, some of the rhetoric you're hearing down here in South Florida, it's just made up. It's just nonsense. Listening to the Republicans, you'd think Joe was more communist than the Castros. Don't fall for that garbage," he said.</p>

<p>"Don't fall for that okie doke. Joe Biden isn't a socialist. He was a senator from Delaware I think folks would know if he was a super socialist right now. What's true is he'll stand up for regular people," said the former president.</p>


US President Donald Trump is seeking a second term to help himself and his wealthy friends, Barack Obama has alleged, as he tore into his successor for not having a plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and walking out of an interview.

US President Donald Trump is seeking a second term to help himself and his wealthy friends, Barack Obama has alleged, as he tore into his successor for not having a plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and walking out of an interview. Seeking support for former vice president Joe Biden, who is the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, and his running mate Senator Kamala Harris, Obama at a drive-in car rally in the battle ground State of Florida on Saturday urged Americans not to give a second term to Trump. Claiming that Trump has no empathy and no concern for average Americans, Obama, said the US president was seeking a second term only "to help himself" and his wealthy friends. On the other hand, Biden and Harris are going to be in the fight, not for themselves, "but for you and us", he said. "They're not going to surround themselves with hacks and lobbyists. They're going to surround themselves with people who care about you. "That more than anything is what separates them from their opponents: They actually care about Americans, even the ones who aren't voting for them," Obama said at an election rally in Miami, Florida. Miami Dade has the highest enrollment of any county in Florida. Florida has the highest enrollment of any state in the country. Nobody has a bigger stake in making sure those protections stay in place than right here in Florida, he said. "We have got a POTUS who actually suggested selling Puerto Rico. Believe it or not, it could've been worse. He once asked our national security officials if he could nuke hurricanes. I mean, at least he didn't do that. A nuclear hurricane seems like it would have been bad," Obama said. "I've sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president and they are very different people. "You know, Donald Trump, I knew he wasn't going to embrace my vision, I knew he wasn't going to continue my policies, but I did hope that for the country's sake he would have shown at least a little bit of interest in taking the job seriously. That's not how it worked out," he said. Obama criticised Trump for walking out of his interview with reporter Lesley Stahl of CBS News. "He got mad and walked out of the 60 Minutes interview. He thought the questions were too tough. If he can't answer a tough question like 'what would you like to do in your second term,' then we can't give him a second term. When 60 Minutes and Lesley Stahl are too tough for you, you ain't all that tough," he said. "He was asked 'What is your new plan for the next phase of COVID?' Which is a pretty good question considering we just saw the highest number of cases spike up yesterday. "So you'd think he'd be ready for a response. Instead, he just said it wasn't his fault and he didn't have (a plan). He doesn't have a plan, he doesn't even acknowledge the reality," Obama claimed. Trump complained about being asked "tough questions". The president cried foul about the interview on Tuesday, before releasing it on Facebook on Thursday. Responding to Obama, Trump, in a tweet, later said that no one is showing up for the former US president. "Nobody is showing up for Obama's hate laced speeches. 47 people! No energy, but still better than Joe!" he said. Obama claimed that his administration left the White House a pandemic playbook that showed them how to respond before a virus reached the US shores. "It must be lost along with the Republican healthcare plan. We can't find it. Eight months into this pandemic, new cases are breaking records. Donald Trump isn't suddenly going to protect all of us. He can't even take the basic steps to protect himself," he said. "Florida man wouldn't even do this stuff. Why are we accepting it from the president of the United States? It's not normal behaviour,' he said. Obama said that Biden was not a socialist. "Look, some of the rhetoric you're hearing down here in South Florida, it's just made up. It's just nonsense. Listening to the Republicans, you'd think Joe was more communist than the Castros. Don't fall for that garbage," he said. "Don't fall for that okie doke. Joe Biden isn't a socialist. He was a senator from Delaware I think folks would know if he was a super socialist right now. What's true is he'll stand up for regular people," said the former president.

Trump is seeking second term to help himself and his wealthy friends, says Ex-US President Barack Obama

America's former Commander-in-Chief Barack Obama has made his 2020 Campaign trail debut ahead of the last Presidential Debate. Obama vented four years of his pent-up frustration at a rally in Philadelphia. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the latest updates from US Election 2020.

Gravitas: Obama makes 2020 campaign trail debut

<p>The big guns are out! We are less than two weeks ahead of US Presidential Elections 2020 and the race is heating up. Big political stars from both sides are coming out. On Wednesday it was the time for Democratic Party to finally bring their ace general to the field. Former US President Barack Obama blasted Donald Trump as he took to stage for his former colleague and now Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden.</p>

<p>"This is not a reality show. This is reality," Obama said in a nod to Trump's past as a reality TV host. "And the rest of us have had to live with the consequences of him proving himself incapable of taking the job seriously.”</p>

<p>Obama was speaking at a drive-in rally in Philadelphia.</p>

<p>Barack Obama and Donald Trump are not just two political figures at the opposite ends of US political spectrum. They have not been observed to&nbsp;share good vibes when&nbsp;they were&nbsp;around each other. It has even been evident in their body language. The photograph of the frosty handshake between the two when Trump called on President Obama after getting elected has been stuff of legends.</p>

<p>"With Joe and Kamala at the helm, you’re not going to have to think about the crazy things they said every day," Obama said at Philadelphia rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Barack Obama at Philadelphia rally" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7dc8b63-38b2-4496-9252-9eff51b830e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8TK9T4.jpg" /></p>

<p>"And that’s worth a lot. You’re not going to have to argue about them every day. It just won’t be so exhausting,” he added.</p>

<p>Obama, who governed for two terms and remains one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, blasted Trump for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, noting that the president himself had fallen victim to the virus.</p>

<p>"Donald Trump isn't suddenly going to protect all of us," he said. "He can't even take the basic steps to protect himself."</p>

<p>"This is not a reality show. This is reality," Obama said in a nod to Trump's past as a reality TV host. "And the rest of us have had to live with the consequences of him proving himself incapable of taking the job seriously.”</p>

<p>Obama's appearance filled a gap left by Biden, who has stayed at home in Delaware since Monday for meetings and preparation ahead of his Thursday debate with Trump in Nashville, Tennessee.</p>

<p><img alt="Barack Obama at Philadelphia rally" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc1c3ac-745a-472e-910d-7fa688d64665" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8TK9RW.jpg" /></p>

<p>The drive-in rally was held in the parking lot of Citizens Bank Park, the baseball stadium in Philadelphia, the city's skyline visible in the distance. With nearly 280 vehicles spread throughout the lot, it was the largest event of its kind that the Biden campaign has staged during the pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Edge</strong></p>

<p>With a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Biden with just a 4-percentage-point edge in Pennsylvania, Obama warned Democrats against complacency.</p>

<p>"We've got to turn out like never before," he said. "We cannot leave any doubt in this election."</p>

<p>Americans are voting early at a record pace this year, with more than 42 million ballots cast both via mail and in person ahead of Nov. 3 Election Day on concerns about the coronavirus and to make sure their votes are counted.</p>

<p><img alt="Barack Obama at Philadelphia rally" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e14aa609-1ac2-442b-a249-8f72484fca5a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8TK9TA.jpg" /></p>

<p>The early vote so far represents about 30% of the total ballots cast in 2016, according to the University of Florida's U.S. Elections Project.</p>

<p>Four years ago, Obama participated in a rally in Philadelphia with then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton the day before the election, only to see Trump narrowly take the state. The Biden campaign considers winning there a top priority.</p>

<p>In remarks at an evening rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, Trump briefly mentioned Obama, noting that he had supported Clinton in her losing effort. "It was nobody who campaigned harder for Crooked Hillary than Obama, right?"</p>

<p>North Carolina is another battleground state where opinion polls show a tight race. Harris was also in the state on Wednesday to mobilize voters in Asheville and Charlotte.</p>

<p><strong>US election 2020: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-can-barack-obama-be-elected-as-joe-bidens-vice-president-336947">Can Barack Obama be elected as Joe Biden's Vice President?</a></strong></p>

<p>Obama won North Carolina in 2008, but lost it in his 2012 campaign. Trump won it in 2016.</p>

<p>Trump argued that coronavirus-related restrictions were harming the state's economy and complained that Democrats and the news media were overly pre-occupied with the pandemic.</p>

<p>"All you hear is covid, covid," the president said. "That's all they put on because they want to scare the hell out of everyone."</p>

<p><strong>Top&nbsp;ally</strong></p>

<p>Even though Wednesday marked Obama's 2020 campaign debut, his support has been essential for Biden. He has appeared at joint fundraisers with Biden and Harris, and his network of well-connected former aides has been instrumental in helping the campaign outpace Trump in bringing in donations.</p>

<p>Biden's team said Obama would campaign in Miami on Saturday for the Democratic ticket.</p>

<p>The last days of campaigning are taking place during a surge in cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations in battleground states, including North Carolina and Pennsylvania but also Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trump-has-a-bank-account-in-china-336989/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pennsylvania has averaged 1,500 new cases a day over the past week, a level it has not seen since April, according to a Reuters analysis. North Carolina is averaging 2,000 new cases a day over the past week, its highest level yet. The virus has killed more than 221,000 people in the United States.</p>

<p>Polling shows a majority of voters are disappointed in the way Trump has handled the pandemic, which he has repeatedly said would disappear on its own.</p>

<p>Biden and Trump are scheduled to meet in their second and final debate on Thursday night, giving the Republican an opportunity to change the trajectory of a race that Biden is leading in national opinion polls.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters input)</strong></p>


The big guns are out! We are less than two weeks ahead of US Presidential Elections 2020 and the race is heating up. Big political stars from both sides are coming out.

The big guns are out! We are less than two weeks ahead of US Presidential Elections 2020 and the race is heating up. Big political stars from both sides are coming out. On Wednesday it was the time for Democratic Party to finally bring their ace general to the field. Former US President Barack Obama blasted Donald Trump as he took to stage for his former colleague and now Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden. "This is not a reality show. This is reality," Obama said in a nod to Trump's past as a reality TV host. "And the rest of us have had to live with the consequences of him proving himself incapable of taking the job seriously.” Obama was speaking at a drive-in rally in Philadelphia. Barack Obama and Donald Trump are not just two political figures at the opposite ends of US political spectrum. They have not been observed to share good vibes when they were around each other. It has even been evident in their body language. The photograph of the frosty handshake between the two when Trump called on President Obama after getting elected has been stuff of legends. "With Joe and Kamala at the helm, you’re not going to have to think about the crazy things they said every day," Obama said at Philadelphia rally. "And that’s worth a lot. You’re not going to have to argue about them every day. It just won’t be so exhausting,” he added. Obama, who governed for two terms and remains one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, blasted Trump for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, noting that the president himself had fallen victim to the virus. "Donald Trump isn't suddenly going to protect all of us," he said. "He can't even take the basic steps to protect himself." "This is not a reality show. This is reality," Obama said in a nod to Trump's past as a reality TV host. "And the rest of us have had to live with the consequences of him proving himself incapable of taking the job seriously.” Obama's appearance filled a gap left by Biden, who has stayed at home in Delaware since Monday for meetings and preparation ahead of his Thursday debate with Trump in Nashville, Tennessee. The drive-in rally was held in the parking lot of Citizens Bank Park, the baseball stadium in Philadelphia, the city's skyline visible in the distance. With nearly 280 vehicles spread throughout the lot, it was the largest event of its kind that the Biden campaign has staged during the pandemic. Edge With a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Biden with just a 4-percentage-point edge in Pennsylvania, Obama warned Democrats against complacency. "We've got to turn out like never before," he said. "We cannot leave any doubt in this election." Americans are voting early at a record pace this year, with more than 42 million ballots cast both via mail and in person ahead of Nov. 3 Election Day on concerns about the coronavirus and to make sure their votes are counted. The early vote so far represents about 30% of the total ballots cast in 2016, according to the University of Florida's U.S. Elections Project. Four years ago, Obama participated in a rally in Philadelphia with then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton the day before the election, only to see Trump narrowly take the state. The Biden campaign considers winning there a top priority. In remarks at an evening rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, Trump briefly mentioned Obama, noting that he had supported Clinton in her losing effort. "It was nobody who campaigned harder for Crooked Hillary than Obama, right?" North Carolina is another battleground state where opinion polls show a tight race. Harris was also in the state on Wednesday to mobilize voters in Asheville and Charlotte. US election 2020: Can Barack Obama be elected as Joe Biden's Vice President? Obama won North Carolina in 2008, but lost it in his 2012 campaign. Trump won it in 2016. Trump argued that coronavirus-related restrictions were harming the state's economy and complained that Democrats and the news media were overly pre-occupied with the pandemic. "All you hear is covid, covid," the president said. "That's all they put on because they want to scare the hell out of everyone." Top ally Even though Wednesday marked Obama's 2020 campaign debut, his support has been essential for Biden. He has appeared at joint fundraisers with Biden and Harris, and his network of well-connected former aides has been instrumental in helping the campaign outpace Trump in bringing in donations. Biden's team said Obama would campaign in Miami on Saturday for the Democratic ticket. The last days of campaigning are taking place during a surge in cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations in battleground states, including North Carolina and Pennsylvania but also Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan. × Pennsylvania has averaged 1,500 new cases a day over the past week, a level it has not seen since April, according to a Reuters analysis. North Carolina is averaging 2,000 new cases a day over the past week, its highest level yet. The virus has killed more than 221,000 people in the United States. Polling shows a majority of voters are disappointed in the way Trump has handled the pandemic, which he has repeatedly said would disappear on its own. Biden and Trump are scheduled to meet in their second and final debate on Thursday night, giving the Republican an opportunity to change the trajectory of a race that Biden is leading in national opinion polls. (With Reuters input)

Barack Obama enters the field, blasts Donald Trump in first US election rally for Joe Biden

Former US President Barack Obama return to the campaign trail launching a blistering attack on Donald Trump with less than 2 weeks to before election day.

US Election 2020: Obama holds first full-fledged rally event for Biden

Former US President Barack Obama has slammed Donald Trump saying- democracy can not work if leaders lie everyday, this is not a reality show this is reality, speaking at a drive-in rally in Philadelphia.

US Election 2020: Obama spoke at a drive-in rally in Philadelphia

Less than 2 weeks to go for US Election 2020, the battle for the White House is only gaining in ferocity. Just a day before the final Presidential Debate, WION reports the opinion polls in key swing states.

Who leads in key states before debate?

barack-obama

Barack Obama, News on Barack Obama, stories on Barack Obama, articles on Barack Obama, Barack Obama stories at Wion, Barack Obama news, Barack Obama latest news

barack obama