Understanding 'Obamagate': An 8th Grade Explanation for the Modern Media Age
Around Sunday, many Americans were enjoying a cozy Mother's Day brunch or a socially distanced picnic. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was actively engaging with Twitter, which prompted a flurry of 126 tweets in a single day. Among these tweets was the introduction of a conspiracy theory that gained traction on conservative websites: 'Obamagate'.
What is 'Obamagate'?
The term 'Obamagate' refers to a narrative propagated by the Trump administration and its supporters that alleges former President Barack Obama and his administration attempted to frame top Trump officials in order to hinder the President's agenda. This narrative suggests that Obama, along with key figures such as former Vice President Joe Biden, former FBI Director James Comey, and other intelligence officials, planted a false story that Trump was colluding with Russia to win the 2016 election.
The Core of the Conspiracy Theory
The core of the 'Obamagate' theory suggests that Obama and his associates intentionally planted this false narrative in order to interfere with Trump's presidency. The aim was to tarnish Trump's reputation and possibly cause him to be impeached or otherwise discredited. One of the key figures mentioned in the narrative is former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who was found guilty of lying to the FBI. However, the U.S. Department of Justice recently dropped these charges, leading to further controversy.
The Legal Backdrop
The decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to drop charges against Michael Flynn was met with mixed reactions. Supporters of 'Obamagate' celebrated as a victory for the narrative. However, some legal experts have expressed objections to the decision, suggesting that it undermines the integrity of the legal process.
Trumps Social Media Miscarriage
President Trump continues to use his platform on Twitter to promote 'Obamagate'. The narrative has been instrumental in shifting public focus away from the administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and toward more traditional political grievances. The recent release of a recording of a call between Obama and former members of his administration may have further fuelled the narrative, as it was initially interpreted as evidence of a coordinated effort to undermine Trump.
The Masks of Accusations
When pressed on the details of the conspiracy theory at a news conference, President Trump himself seemed unsure of the specific crimes he was accusing Obama of committing. This ambiguity has left even his supporters questioning the coherence of the 'Obamagate' narrative.
Conclusion
The 'Obamagate' theory, while largely unproven, has become a powerful tool for the Trump administration in attempting to discredit the policies and actions of the Obama administration. As social media continues to play a central role in shaping public opinion, the true impact of such narratives may be difficult to quantify. However, it is clear that the 'Obamagate' theory has entered the political discourse and will likely continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming months and years.