It’s almost admirable, this ass-hattery.
Even when hosting the most ideologically sympathetic pontiff in his lifetime (climate change, Cuba), Mr. Obama cannot restrain himself. He cannot be civil and respectful, searching for common ground. No, he must include on the official guest list of those greeting the Pope at the White House, a transgender activist, an openly gay Episcopal bishop, and a nun who supported Obamacare despite its funding of abortion and contraception.
Not to mention, amazing. It’s like Barack Obama wants to never be able to take full advantage of his position. Or something like that. I understand that people think that President Obama will continue to have influence, once he’s no longer President; but I would note that the effective use of power is a skill. And Barack Obama is remarkably unskilled at anything except shutting up, and letting other people do the work.