Former U.S. President Barack Obama slammed Donald Trump in his speech during the third night of the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, calling his successor unfit for presidency.

Barack Obama said Trump is incapable of meeting the demands of his office and that he has not grown into the job “because he can’t.” His remark echoed that of his wife, Michelle Obama, who said on Monday that Trump “simply cannot be who we need him to be.”

“He’s 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,” said Obama.

Obama also took a jab at Trump’s poor COVID-19 response, blaming him for the 170,000 Americans who have died from the pandemic and the millions who have lot their jobs due to recession. He told the people that the only way to ensure the survival of the American democracy is by voting for Joe Biden.

In his speech, Obama endorsed Biden and vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris, saying unlike Trump, they truly care about every American and the democracy. “For eight years, Joe was the last one in the room whenever I faced a big decision,” said Obama. “He made me a better president—and he’s got the character and the experience to make us a better country,” he added.

Obama said Biden can make up for Trump’s failings as president, saying the November election is a chance to help secure the legacy of the administration, including the restoration of policies on immigration, climate change and healthcare, all of which Trump has dismantled during his presidency.

“The one constitutional office elected by all of the people is the presidency,” said Obama. He urged the people to vote for a president who feels a sense of responsibility for the safety and welfare of all 330 million Americans. “We should also expect a president to be the custodian of this democracy,” he said.

President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama speaks at the opening Keynote during the 2016 SXSW Getty Images

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