Barack Obama took the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena for a public discussion that touched on global challenges, political leadership, and the growing influence of social media. During the event, hosted by broadcaster Afua Hirsch as part of his “A Conversation With” tour, the former president made several remarks that appeared to contrast with the approach of his successor, Donald Trump. However, his central warning focused on a broader concern: the growing spread of misinformation and the breakdown of shared facts. Obama argued that online platforms often reward content that triggers anger, fear, and resentment, leaving people trapped in separate information bubbles. He joked that everything from outrage to cat videos can keep users scrolling, but warned that the consequences extend far beyond screen time. Without agreement on basic facts, he explained, meaningful debate becomes increasingly difficult, and public trust can begin to erode.

Obama also cautioned that government efforts to control online information could create dangers of their own, pointing to the risks of excessive state control. Instead, he called for rebuilding trust and encouraging people to recognize reliable information, even when they disagree about what should be done. Beyond technology, he emphasized the importance of storytelling in helping people understand experiences different from their own. Political leaders, he said, need to offer more than policy proposals and lists of promises; they must also explain why cooperation and compassion matter. To illustrate his point, Obama recalled Manchester’s cotton workers during the American Civil War, who supported the fight against slavery despite the economic hardship caused by refusing to handle American cotton. He described their decision as an example of ordinary people making sacrifices for a larger principle. The evening ended with a message of hope, as Obama urged audiences to remember that societies have overcome difficult periods before. His comments placed misinformation, public trust, and leadership at the center of a discussion that also carried clear implications for today’s political climate.