Trump is what Obama critics think Obama is: Someone who's focused on symbolism rather than substance.

Barack Obama is extremely smart.

Activists measure progress against the standard of perfection, or at least the most perfect possible choice. Historians gauge progress against what came before it.

President Obama is so much smarter and a better communicator than members of Congress in either party. The contrast, side by side, is almost ridiculous.

Barack Obama is an intellectual.

In public, Barack Obama's giving the simple version of his beliefs for the mass public. In private, he can discuss it at a really high level.

Trump has a lot of authoritarian tendencies that need to be a serious concern.