Obama slams Trump for 'shambolic' and 'mean-spirited approach' in public rebuke

Former President Barack Obama slammed President Donald Trump for his "shambolic, disorganized, mean-spirited approach to governance" during a fundraiser event with former Vice President Joe Biden.

Obama endorsed Biden in April after Sen. Bernie Sanders withdrew from the Democratic presidential race. The pair had their first joint appearance during the virtual grassroots fundraiser.

"What we have seen over the last couple of years is a White House enabled by Republicans in Congress and a media structure that supports them that has not just differed in terms of policy but has gone at the very foundations of who we are and who we should be," Obama said.

Obama slammed Trump for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, expressing dismay for "poor Dr. Fauci."

"That suggests facts don't matter, science doesn't matter, that suggests a deadly disease is fake news." 

"We have to listen to public health experts and -- poor Dr. Fauci, who you know, is having to testify and then see his advice clouded by the person he's working for. We've got to pay attention to what the public health experts say when it comes to this campaign season."

Obama also accused Trump of promoting division and considering "some Americans in this country more real than others."

"That, we haven't seen out of the White House in a very long time," Obama added.

"I am here to say the help is on the way if we do the work because there’s nobody I trust more to be able to heal this country and get back on track than my dear friend Joe Biden," Obama added.

"We can't be complacent or smug or say it's so obvious this president hasn't done a good job," Obama said. "Look. He won once."

Obama went on to compare Trump to former President George Bush.

"My predecessor, who I disagreed with on a whole host of issues, still had a basic regard for the rule of law and the importance of our institutions," Obama said.

"And what we have seen over the last couple of years is a White House enabled by Republicans in Congress and a media structure that supports them that has not just differed in terms of policy but has gone at the very foundations of who we are and who we should be," he said.

The former president said he was "optimistic" because of a "great awakening going on around the country."

“The good news, what makes me optimistic, is the fact that there is a great awakening going on around the country, particularly among younger people, who are saying not only are they fed up with the shambolic, disorganized, mean-spirited approach to governance that we’ve seen over the last couple of years but, more than that, are eager to take on some of the core challenges that have been facing this country for centuries,” Obama added.

"I appreciate you all being on this call, but, man, this is serious business," Obama said to those watching the event. "Whatever you’ve done so far is not enough. And I hold myself and Michelle and my kids to the same standard."

As the event closed, Obama remarked: "We need to make you president. Love you, Joe."

"Love you too, pal," Biden replied.

According to ABC News, the pair were able to raise over $11 million during the event. More than 175,000 donors raised $7.6 million, while $3.4 million was raised during an event reserved for high-dollar donors.

More events with the two will take place, with a spokesperson saying:

"President Obama looks forward to campaigning and raising money this fall for Democrats up and down the ballot, just as he did in the 2018 midterm cycle. He believes this November's election -- the most consequential in our lifetimes -- is too important for anyone to sit out."