July 23, 2025

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Last week, President Barack Obama appeared on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s podcast — “IMO” — to disclose one of his most controversial takes. 

“You should not eat ketchup after the age of eight,” the former president declared. Michelle Obama clearly disagreed: “I think every time you say it you make it younger and younger.” 

The mood around the podcasting table was relaxed and joyful — a relic of a different time in American politics, when presidents were role models rather than threats to American democracy.

Yesterday, we were reminded just how bad it has become in only six months.

As readers of Democracy Docket know, I have said since day one that Tulsi Gabbard has no business being the Director of National Intelligence. The fact she was nominated is shameful proof that Trump is an aspiring dictator. The fact that she was confirmed is evidence of the Republican Senate’s cowardice.

Last week, Gabbard promised the prosecution of Obama-era officials for their disclosure of Russia’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 election. While much of the legacy media shrugged this off, I wrote about it in my Monday newsletter.

But that was just the beginning. On Sunday, Donald Trump followed up with an AI-generated TikTok of President Obama getting arrested by the FBI. The TikTok was dangerous and foolish — something a ketchup-eating 8-year-old would know not to post. 

Yesterday, things really hit a boiling point. When asked about the Epstein Files, Trump pivoted attention away from the actual issues at hand to focus on his newest conspiracy theory: “Whether it’s right or wrong, it’s time to go after people.” He then singled out President Obama.

I can say with confidence that Trump never learned the difference between right and wrong — a gap in basic moral education that’s haunted all of us. He doesn’t care if actions are right. He doesn’t care if what he’s saying is wrong. He does what’s best for him — damn everyone else. Forget the American people, forget our democracy, forget even his loyal followers. 

If it helps Trump, that’s what’s right for him, and that’s the path he’ll pursue. 

But the rest of us have an intact moral compass, and we learned the difference between right and wrong pretty early on. 

So, I thought I would make things simple for the president. If he can’t figure out the difference between right and wrong on his own, here’s a helpful guide. 

WHAT’S WRONG

Accusing Barack Obama of committing treason 

Trump has made targeting opponents his dangerous obsession. From the manhandling of Democratic officials like Sen. Alex Padilla to indicting Rep. LaMonica McIver to threatening to revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship, the Trump administration is boasting about going after Trump’s political enemies. 

Trump has always been obsessed with Obama, so it is no surprise he is next. This shouldn’t have to be said but: Spreading conspiracy theories about the Obama administration committing “treasonous” behavior during the 2016 election is wrong. Sharing AI-generated TikToks of Obama getting arrested is wrong. Threatening to arrest Obama-era officials is wrong.  

Trump knows he’s in hot water for the Epstein Files and it’s clear he’s panicking. We can’t let his callous and idiotic distractions stick.

WHAT’S RIGHT

Obama’s pushback 

President Obama often ignores Trump. The president has evoked his predecessor a few times, but Obama lets the insults roll off his back. Not this time. 

In response to Trump’s accusations, Obama’s office spoke out against the president. 

“Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response. But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one,” said Obama spokesman, Patrick Rodenbush.

Currently, Obama has the highest approval rating of living presidents. Many people rightfully look to him for guidance. Calling out Trump’s lies is the right thing to do.

WHAT’S WRONG

Firing Habba’s replacement 

Yesterday, Alina Habba’s bid to keep her job as New Jersey’s interim U.S. attorney was denied. A panel of judges selected Desiree Leigh Grace, Habba’s first assistant, as her replacement. Grace is an experienced prosecutor and has been with the New Jersey U.S. attorney’s office for almost 10 years. 

However, on Tuesday evening, Attorney General Pam Bondi stepped in to protect her lapdog. On social media, she wrote that Habba had “been doing a great job” and “politically minded judges refused to allow her to continue.” So, what did Bondi do? She had First Assistant Grace “removed” from her new position. 

Firing First Assistant Grace is an insult to the federal judiciary and is a huge overreach by the Trump administration. It is blatantly wrong.

WHAT’S RIGHT

Removing Alina Habba 

While Bondi may be scheming behind the scenes, removing Habba as New Jersey’s U.S. attorney was the right move and a show of strength by New Jersey judges. Habba’s term was marred by politicization and unfit leadership. In May, she charged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver for simply doing their job and touring an immigrant detention center. While Baraka’s charges were dropped, McIver is facing assault charges. Habba also directed prosecutors to investigate New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy over an immigration policy. 

Denying Habba’s bid to stay in her job was the right thing to do. She is a disgrace to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

WHAT’S WRONG

CBS canceling “The Late Show” 

Last week, CBS canceled Stephen Colbert’s late-night show. The company claimed it was for financial reasons, but the decision conveniently came mere weeks after Paramount's pathetic settlement with Trump. 

Colbert has always been an outspoken critic of Trump and the GOP, launching his career with the satirical “Colbert Report.” But Republicans have never been known for their sense of humor, have they? 

The GOP’s lack of sense of humor is nothing new, but media companies taking action to silence comedians is both new and revealing. 

Kneeling to a wanna-be dictator is wrong. Muzzling free speech is wrong. Being a coward is wrong. 

So, what Stephen Colbert said to Trump I will say to Paramount and CBS: “Fuck you.”

WHAT’S RIGHT

Stepping up for free speech

While Colbert’s show getting canceled is a tragedy and a bad omen, it seems to have jolted people into action. A wave of celebrities have spoken out against the decision and chastised the companies for capitulating to Trump. Other late-night hosts banded together in support of Colbert, and actors like Julia Louis-Dreyfus rallied behind their friend. 

“Institutions that are willing to sacrifice their values for the government’s favor are likely to end up with neither,” Dreyfus wrote, invoking Atlantic journalist David A. Graham. 

“The Late Show’s” cancellation is a shock and a great loss, but sometimes it takes a shock for people to stand up and do what’s right.

This is Marc’s breakdown of Trump’s latest crisis which is exclusive to members. Don’t miss out next time — become a member today.