Still waiting for Obama to be quiet

Those who idolize former President Barack Obama believe he is everything President Trump is not.

He has a thoughtful manner, and was not just professorial in lecturing the public but was indeed a former professor. Even Trump's most fervent supporters would not suggest their man has a professorial and learned demeanor. Indeed, he is liked in part because he lacks those qualities, coming across as ready to brush aside those academic niceties and get down to action.

Obama also famously disdains drama — one of his nicknames was No Drama Obama — whereas his successor seems to thrive on it. Comedians found Obama difficult to mock, but late-night comedy can't get enough of Trump. (This says as much about celebrity politics, of course. Celebrities flocked to Obama, and even pledged allegiance to him, yet now pride themselves on being part of the self-aggrandized #Resistance to Trump.)

In short, Obama was cool. Trump is not.

This difference has, however, led to a big mistake in assessing Obama. Because of his cool, his professorial demeanor, and his thoughtful air, supporters ascribe to Obama an enduring streak of propriety. They think him innocent of arrogance and self-regard, qualities for which they detest Trump.