Every president becomes a caricature. The press, partisans, late-night shows, and other arbiters of our culture these days boil down complicated and multi-faceted personalities into one-dimensional punchlines.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Through his mastery of storytelling techniques, he has managed to separate his character, in the public mind, from his actions as president. He has, in short, mesmerized us with that steady gaze.
You often see politicians who try to put on a different persona; they think they should be more jolly or serious. Invariably, the persona they choose is worse than their own.
The relationship between press and politician - protected by the Constitution and designed to be happily adversarial - becomes sour, raw and confrontational.
Every now and then, a presidential candidate surprises us with a truly human and honest moment.
It's as if inside the White House the belief in Obama's inspirational charisma is still such that every time the ugliness of brute politics intrudes, it's a startling revelation.
Every artistic expression is either influenced by or adds something to politics.
I think a lot of times on TV we see caricatures - that's what's funny.
Life and people are complex. A writer as an artist doesn't have the personality of a politician. We don't see the world that simply.
Being president isn't anything like reality TV. It's not about sending insulting tweets or making fiery speeches; it's about whether or not the candidate can handle the awesome responsibility of leading this country.
I look forward to these confrontations with the press to kind of balance up the nice and pleasant things that come to me as president.