Former President Barack Obama has made few public statements and few public appearances since leaving the Oval Office nearly three years ago. But the ever-popular Democrat joined other dignitaries Friday to eulogize the late Elijah Cummings, the first Black lawmaker to lie in state at the nation’s capitol.
Considered one of the world’s greatest orators, President Obama decided to go off script to deliver a fitting “honor” to Chairman Cummings – while scorching his successor, President Donald Trump.
“I was just noticing, ‘The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings,'” President Obama said, pointing to the backdrop showing the late Congressman’s face and title.
“And, you know, this is a, title,” he said, almost asking, “that we confer on all kinds of people that get elected to public office,” Obama added, to great laughter, and then loud applause.
“We’re supposed to introduce them as ‘honorable,’” Obama continued, perfectly timing his words and pausing so attendees could laugh again. “But Elijah Cummings was honorable before he was elected to office — there’s a difference!”
Earlier: Hillary Clinton Takes a Moment During Elijah Cummings’ Funeral to Biblically Blast Donald Trump
“There’s a difference if you were honorable and treated others honorably, outside the limelight. on the side of a road,” he added referring to a previous speaker’s remarks.
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