It’s doubtful former President Donald Trump even considered responding more in sorrow than in anger to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s criticism of him. Trump stuck to his brutal style of rebuttal, attacking McConnell as an “unsmiling political hack” who “doesn’t have what it takes, never did, and never will.”

This was a mistake by Trump, one he appears to be incapable of recognizing. His style — his raw personality, mean streak, breathtaking conceit — is the main reason he lost reelection. But he seems unaware of this simple fact, though it’s hardly a secret.