Obama on Trump: Underestimating the Damage & A Legacy of Division
Former President Barack Obama initially viewed Donald Trump as a largely harmless, albeit bombastic, figure. However, Trump’s embrace of the “birther” theory – falsely questioning Obama’s American citizenship – marked a turning point. Despite the provocation, Obama reportedly chose to respond with amusement rather than animosity.
A Miscalculation of Magnitude
In January 2016, when asked by Matt Lauer of NBC if he could envision Trump delivering a State of the Union address, Obama dismissed the possibility as something fit for a “Saturday Night” skit. This sentiment reflected a broader underestimation of Trump’s political potential within Obama’s inner circle. Even as Hillary Clinton’s campaign began to falter, Obama’s campaign guru, David Plouffe, remained confident in her victory, urging colleagues to avoid unnecessary worry.
Obama himself proved to be an inaccurate predictor of the future. He underestimated both the likelihood of Trump’s victory and the extent to which Trump would challenge established political norms and institutions. Following the election, Obama expressed a belief that even in the face of significant change, “nothing is the end of the world until the end of the world.”
A Shift in the Political Landscape
David Axelrod, Obama’s senior advisor, acknowledged that the nation’s norms and institutions proved more fragile than Obama initially anticipated. Obama initially believed he had achieved 70-75% of his goals, and anticipated only 15-20% would be reversed. This assessment proved to be significantly off the mark.
Trump’s presidency, according to reports, ushered in a normalization of racism, misogyny, and division, exceeding what could be quantified by percentages. The “birther” rhetoric, which initially propelled Trump’s campaign, continued to resurface, alongside other instances of controversial behavior, such as sharing racist videos.
While Michelle Obama reportedly harbors deep anger towards Trump, Barack Obama has maintained a degree of public composure, even appearing alongside Trump at events like Jimmy Carter’s funeral. This approach, according to aides, mirrors the experience of Jackie Robinson, who endured racial slurs with dignity. Privately, Obama often contemplates how the public would react if roles were reversed and he had engaged in similar behavior, such as late-night social media rants or using his office for personal financial gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Obama’s initial impression of Donald Trump?
Obama initially thought of Trump as a “comical, if malevolent, real-estate hawker.”
What was the “birther” theory?
The “birther” theory was a racist claim, promoted by Trump, that questioned Barack Obama’s American citizenship.
How did Obama react to Trump’s victory?
Obama initially underestimated the extent to which Trump would challenge established political norms and institutions, and believed that only a small percentage of his achievements would be reversed.
Given the shifts in the political landscape, what role will former presidents play in navigating future periods of intense division and political upheaval?