Fired-up Obama attacks Republicans for failing to keep Trump in check

Former President Barack Obama's remarks in his home state of Illinois came after a nearly two-year absence from the political stage, during which he avoided directly criticizing Trump and made a calculated effort not to utter his successor's name. [AFP]

Barack Obama assailed US Republicans Friday for failing to keep President Donald Trump in check, in a forceful return to the political fray aimed at firing up Democratic voters ahead of key elections.

Since leaving office, the 44th US president has pointedly avoided direct criticism of his successor, making a calculated effort not to utter Trump's name.