The conversation is already happening, and you should be part of it. 𝗝𝗼𝗢𝗻 π˜π—΅π—² π—΄π—Ώπ—Όπ˜‚π—½ π—»π—Όπ˜„. …πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡

The conversation is already happening, and you should be part of it. 𝗝𝗼𝗢𝗻 π˜π—΅π—² π—΄π—Ώπ—Όπ˜‚π—½ π—»π—Όπ˜„. …πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡

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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 Obama’s 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.

Their love – not too strong a word – for this man they mourn begs the question: β€œWhat achievements, what legacy?”

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 Obama’s responsibility? As he said, his name wasn’t on the ballot, but his achievements were.

This goes to the heart of a question about character: his, Donald Trump’s, most importantly their country’s sense of self.

A pensive President ObamaJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
 

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 America’s 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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