Obama: U.S. at 'an inflection point'

Former president criticizes Trump's divisive rhetoric after killing of Charlie Kirk.

- MEG KINNARD

OBAMA lamented the state of political discourse while speaking in Pennsylvania.

Former President Obama says that the United States is at "an inflection point" following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and that President Trump has further divided the country rather than work to bring people together.

"There are no ifs, ands or buts about it: The central premise of our democratic system is that we have to be able to disagree and have sometimes really contentious debates without resorting to violence," Obama said Tuesday night during an event in Erie, Pa., hosted by the Jefferson Education Society, according to a transcript obtained by the Associated Press.

"And when it happens to some, but even if you think they're, quote, unquote, on the other side of the argument, that’s a threat to all of us," he said. "And we have to be clear and forthright in condemning them."

Obama has kept somewhat of a low profile in his post-presidency. Responding to a moderator’s questions Tuesday, he addressed Trump's rhetoric after Kirk’s assassination, as well as other administrative actions.