Twitter Reacts To Barack Obama's Statement Condemning Capitol Violence: 'We Need You'

Former President Barack Obama released a statement Wednesday blaming President Donald Trump for a moment of "great shame" in American history after protesters stormed the Capitol in a bid to overturn the outcome of the election. His message sparked gratitude and praise from social media users, who said he is needed "now more than ever."

In the statement he issued via Twitter, Obama condemned the violence “incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election.” He also called on Republicans to make a choice to put America over false claims about the election.

Twitter users expressed gratitude to Obama for his message and praised his leadership, with some saying they hope he would have a position in President-elect Joe Biden's administration.

"We need you sir," one Twitter user commented on his post, while another wrote, "I thought of you today and missed how you made sure we were safe. How far we’ve fallen. Thank you."

"We need President Barack Obama now more than ever. I hope he will be able to issue a statement on the major networks to help bring about the reconciliation we need right now. It feels like we are on the precipice of a civil war. This is not the country I’ve known all my life," Dr. Eugene Gu tweeted.

Wrote another, "I hope @BarackObama continues to play a role in President @JoeBiden's administration."

"I can't wait to have a president again that loves this country and will lead with integrity. Thank you President Obama for leading the way," Nicole Megale added.

However, some Twitter users took issue with Obama referring to himself as "President Obama" in his statement. "You aren’t the president," one commented, as another wrote, "Not president anymore."

"Just a curious Canadian, do the former presidents retain the title of being president even after their time?" a third user asked.

Others appeared to criticize Obama for not condemning past protesters. One Twitter user asked, "I’m not defending their actions, but why was it ok when the 'BLM' rioters did it?"

"Not surprised you decide to talk now not one word while people burned down their cities down screaming defund the police. Smh," another critic commented.

But most appeared to have no problem with Obama's statement or his usage of the title president, with one pointing out that "all former Presidents are still called Mr. President or Vice President."

"As an Aussie even I know this part of American politics, same for our Prime Ministers in Australia. It's a title that they have for life, doesn't mean they are the sitting President," the user continued.

Another wrote, "This is exactly why I still call you president Obama cause this country hasn't have one since you left office, you always knew what to say when our country needed it the most, thanks for always being that calm, reinsuring presence in a time of crisis sir, we appreciate you."