Dishonour, shame for US: Barack Obama

WASHINGTON: Barack Obama has described the unprecedented chaos at the Capitol as "a moment of great dishonour" and "shame" for the nation. 

"History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation. But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said in a statement posted on Twitter.

He blasted the Republican Party and "its accompanying media ecosystem" for refusing to acknowledge "this was not a particularly close election and that President-elect (Joe) Biden will be inaugurated on January 20."

"Their fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments," he said.

Obama called on Republican lawmakers to "choose reality" and "choose America" or continue "stoking the raging fires." He expressed optimism over the number of Republicans who spoke out against Trump on Wednesday.

"Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia who've refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honourably," Obama said. (IANS)

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