One of President Obama’s least attractive attributes is his tendency to disparage his adversaries. Just yesterday, for example, he mocked Silicon Valley executives for the triviality of their achievements compared to his important and complex work. Democrats bewail the obstinacy of Republicans in Congress, but ignore just how much this Obama trait crushes the possibility of compromise (think of President Obama humiliating Paul Ryan at the health care speech in 2011). The effects are visible in foreign policy, as well—especially in regards to Russia.