Don Lemon blasts Democrats for forgetting Obama's exchange with Trump
- Don Lemon criticized Barack Obama for laughing and being friendly with Donald Trump at a high-profile funeral.
- He emphasized that Democrats have previously labeled Trump a fascist, implying that such behavior undermines their established principles.
- Lemon concluded that maintaining integrity is crucial for politicians to keep public trust and alignment with their voters' expectations.
In the months leading to January 2025, Don Lemon expressed his discontent regarding former President Barack Obama’s behavior during Jimmy Carter's funeral, where Obama was seen laughing and socializing with Donald Trump. Lemon pointed out that many Democrats have harshly criticized Trump in the past, labeling him a fascist and a threat to democracy. He argued that this display of civility undermines the principles that the Democratic Party stands for and suggests that people, including his co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, should not normalize behavior from someone they previously warned the public about. Lemon also highlighted the contrast between this situation and the way Karen Pence publicly reacted to Trump, implying that the former vice president's wife displayed more integrity by not engaging with him. As Lemon's remarks gained traction, it raised questions about the authenticity of the Democratic Party’s stance against Trump and whether civility in politics should extend to those they perceive as threats. His comments reflect a broader narrative within the party concerning the balance between civility and holding firm to principles. It’s seen as essential for Democrats to maintain their beliefs not just for political gain, but also in the eyes of their voter base, who may feel misled should they witness politicians embracing a figure once labeled as detrimental to democratic values.