Trump and Obama: Two characters in search of a legacy
So the pendulum swings again. They are polar opposites, inversions, thesis and antithesis, from the skinny kid with the funny name to the old guy with the funny hair, chalk to his cheese. It says a lot about the Disunited States of America that two such different brands are its best-selling political products.
In his final week, President Barack Obamaβs many admirers are determined to behave with the brittle exaggerated optimism of mourners at a wake, determined to celebrate the achievements of a dear friend, rather than wail over his absence. They may even convince you it is hope that makes their eyes glisten so brightly.
And in what way did he fail? For Democrats can blame turnout, blame Twitter, blame Hillary Clinton, blame fake news, but surely the failure of his party to get a third term in the White House was in some sense Mr Obamaβs responsibility? As he said, his name wasnβt on the ballot, but his achievements were.
This goes to the heart of a question about character: his, Donald Trumpβs, most importantly their countryβs sense of self.
President Obama often appeared to be deep in thought
From the moment of his first victory in 2008, President Obama was pinned in place by Americaβs horrible history.
Even extraordinary actions would struggle to escape the orbit of the mundane, buried under the weight of that primary achievement.
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