DNC 2020: Obama Blasts Trump’s 'Reality Show' Presidency

Barack Obama accused Donald Trump of handling the US presidency like a "one more reality show," in a shaky statement at the Democratic Convention, BBC reports.

The former US president said his Republican successor "hasn't grown into the job because he can't".

At the White House, Mr. Trump hit back that he was elected just because of the "horror" that Mr. Obama left Americans.

Kamala Harris will embrace a vice-presidential nomination on the third night of the Democratic Conference.

The four-night convention's grand finale will see Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden give a speech Thursday.

The ticket from Biden-Harris will challenge President Trump and his vice president Mike Pence for the White House in the November 3 election.

The coronavirus pandemic has pressured democrats to leave the shouting throngs and razzmatazz which are the hallmarks of the quadrennial party conference in favour of a simulated gathering with pre-recorded and live speeches.

What did Obama say?

Mr Obama unleashed his most scathing attack on Mr Trump on Wednesday night, speaking live from the American Revolution Museum in Philadelphia.

He said: "He has [Mr Trump] shown no interest in putting in the work. No interest in finding common ground.

"No interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends.

"No interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves."

He said the consequences of the Trump presidency have been "our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished, and our democratic institutions threatened like never before".

Mr Obama then pivoted to encouraging voters to elect his former vice-president, Mr Biden in 76 days' time - praising him as "my friend" and "a brother".

According to the Associated Press news service, sources close to Mr. Obama state that he completely supports Mr. Biden, but that he is worried about participation among younger voters, especially color voters.

Past US leaders often maintain a dignified silence from the media concerning their predecessors.

But Mr Obama warned four years ago while still in office that he would regard it as a "personal insult" if Americans elected Mr Trump, then the Republican candidate and a former star of TV's The Apprentice.

The 44th president has become gradually more outspoken about his successor as he has watched him dismantle his legacy.

On Monday night at the Democratic convention, Michelle Obama delivered an impassioned attack on her husband's successor, painting him as incompetent and "clearly in over his head". Her salvo was especially striking to many Americans because US first ladies, serving and former, tend to carefully steer clear of the political fray.

How did Trump respond?

During a White House news conference on Wednesday, Mr Trump was asked about his predecessor's remarks.

"I see the horror that he's left us and the stupidity of the transactions he made," the US president said.

"Look at how bad he was, how ineffective a president he was, he was so ineffective, so terrible.

"Now President Obama did not do a good job, and the reason I'm here is because of President Obama and Joe Biden."

He added: "They did such a bad job that I stand before you as president."

In a subsequent tweet, Mr Trump said: "Welcome, Barack and Crooked Hillary. See you on the field of battle!"

The president is expected to accept his re-nomination as the Republican candidate from the White House lawn next week during his party's convention.

Who else spoke at the convention?

On Wednesday night, Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee, also assailed the man who thwarted her White House ambitions.

Speaking from her home in Chappaquiddick, New York, she said: "I wish Donald Trump had been a better president. But, sadly, he is who he is."

The former first lady and ex-secretary of state added: "For four years, people have said to me, 'I didn't realise how dangerous he was.' 'I wish I could go back and do it over.' Or worst, 'I should have voted.'

"Well, this can't be another woulda coulda shoulda election."

She added: "Vote like our lives and livelihoods are on the line, because they are."

What will Kamala Harris say?

History is to be created on Wednesday night when a black woman is for the first time a political running mate in a big US group.

Ms Harris, the child of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, is expected to tell Americans how she shattered gender and racial barriers as a district attorney, state attorney general, US senator for California and now vice-presidential candidate.

According to excerpts from her remarks, she will say: "Donald Trump's failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods."

"We're at an inflection point," Mr Biden's running mate will continue, speaking from a largely empty hotel ballroom in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

"The constant chaos leaves us adrift. Incompetence makes us feel afraid. Callousness makes us feel alone. It's a lot.

"And here's the thing: We can do better and deserve so much more."

"We must elect a president who will bring something different, something better, and do the important work."