Members-Only Article

It’s Not About Defending Obama

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 22: Barack Obama attends a powhiri at Government House on March 22, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the former US president's first visit to New Zealand, where he will be giving a ... AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 22: Barack Obama attends a powhiri at Government House on March 22, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the former US president's first visit to New Zealand, where he will be giving a a series of talks. Obama will also meet New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern and former PM John Key during his visit. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images) MORE LESS

By Josh Marshall

February 24, 2020 7:36 p.m.

THE BACKCHANNEL

FREE EDITION

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

NEW!

A FREE email newsletter from Josh Marshall An email newsletter from Josh Marshall

There’s one point I want to reiterate or clarify about the posts from earlier today. We’ve gotten a lot of great emails agreeing and disagreeing with my basic points – I’ll be publishing several of them this evening. But some of those who on balance agree with me have asides like, ‘but here’s a case where I think we can criticize Obama.’

Let me be clear: this really isn’t about defending Obama.

This is a members-only article

Small Team. Big Results.

We’re proud of what our small newsroom has accomplished and it’s not hyperbole when we say that without our members, none of this would be possible.

Become a TPM Member

Free memberships available for students and those experiencing financial hardship.

Already a member? SIGN IN