The Great Obama Myth

Quick Overview

Russell Brand argues that the widespread political optimism surrounding Barack Obama's election in 2008, fueled by media and political figures, was a myth designed to distract people from underlying systemic corruption and imperialist agendas, contrasting the public's excitement with Obama's actual policies like increased drone warfare and the prosecution of journalists.

Key Points: Brand critiques the "great Obama myth," stating that the excitement around his 2008 election was a distraction from systemic issues. He cites Glenn Greenwald's tweet accusing Obama of fundraising $1.5 billion for a personal monument while ignoring community needs, labeling it "incestuous sleaze." Brand references Jimmy Dore's list detailing actions like prosecuting more journalists under the Espionage Act than all prior presidents combined and torturing Chelsea Manning. The video contrasts Obama's progressive image with actions like escalating drone bombings (from 2 to 7 wars) and effectively repealing Habeas Corpus. Brand points out the hypocrisy of figures like Ed Miliband, who promoted change but maintained power structures, and notes that even mainstream media outlets began criticizing Obama later in his tenure. He concludes that the belief in Obama as a unique force for good was a myth perpetuated by the establishment to maintain control and distract from imperialism and corruption.

Context: This video features comedian and commentator Russell Brand discussing the legacy of Barack Obama, contrasting the public's initial perception of him as a transformative, progressive leader with his subsequent political actions. Brand analyzes clips and tweets from critics like Glenn Greenwald and Jimmy Dore to argue that Obama's presidency ultimately served established imperial and corporate interests, fostering a false sense of hope.

Detailed Analysis

Russell Brand asserts that the initial excitement and hope surrounding Barack Obama's 2008 election were misplaced, characterizing his image as a successful, progressive icon as a "myth" pushed by the establishment. Brand uses evidence from social media, specifically a tweet by Glenn Greenwald, to highlight the perceived hypocrisy of Obama raising $1.5 billion for his presidential center while ignoring local housing concerns in Chicago, leading to gentrification and rising rents. He further references Jimmy Dore's tweet detailing harsh actions taken by the Obama administration, including prosecuting more journalists under the Espionage Act than all prior presidents combined, arresting/torturing Chelsea Manning, escalating drone warfare from two to seven wars, and repealing Habeas Corpus. Brand argues that these actions—which align with imperialism, corporate interests (Big Pharma, MIC), and centralized control—directly contradict the progressive narrative. He contrasts Obama's actions with those of the UK's Ed Miliband, who also failed to deliver fundamental change despite being celebrated by the media. Brand concludes that the core issue is a reliance on centralized control and a failure of the populace to demand true change beyond charismatic figures, noting that even mainstream media eventually turned critical of Obama's tenure.