The long-awaited opening of the Obama Presidential Center and the former president’s increased public appearances and criticism by President Donald Trump merit a reflection on his legacy and an analysis of the role of his tenure in the rise of Trumpism.

Remembering former President Barack Obama‘s historic first campaign in 2008 and his charismatic ideas presents a stark commonality with Trump — of a famous and politically unconventional personality being brought in to service the demand for big reforms to the existing politics. Perhaps the contrast between these two men explains the promise of “total change” that allowed for the chaotic Trumpism.