In a speech that several times contained veiled criticism of President Donald Trump, former President Barack Obama warned against the appeal of authoritarian leaders, CNN reported.
Speaking before the Montreal Board of Trade on Tuesday, Obama said people should overcome fear and not listen to those who "call for isolation or nationalism" and those who "suggest rolling back the rights of others."
Although he said it was human nature for those who feel left behind by government and a changing world to find authoritarianism alluring, Obama stressed that "it is important to remember that the world has gone through similar moments . . . Our history also shows there is a better way."
Acknowledging that it is a time of uncertainty, Obama encouraged the public to retain confidence in some of the very institutions, such as the UN, NATO and NAFTA, that Trump has repeatedly called into question.
The former president also said it is important "to replace fear with hope" and said he was convinced that "the future does not belong to strongmen . . . [and] that liberal values would win out over time."
Obama also talked about his disappointment over the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, saying "that even with the temporary absence of American leadership, [the deal] will still give our children a fighting chance,'' HuffPost reported.
He also praised American state and local leaders who have vowed to continue promoting clean energy and fighting against climate change.
Without mentioning Trump's name, Obama delivered what appeared to be another criticism the current president, according to the Montreal Gazette.
"We are in an environment where we are only accepting information based on what our opinions are rather than basing our opinions on the facts we receive, and reason and logic," he said.
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