He is not simply a buffoon.
Nor is he a clever man pretending to be a buffoon.
It appears he is actually a buffoon, pretending to be a slightly different type of buffoon.
He hid it so well. No-one had any inkling that he might be a bumbling, narcissistic sociopath.
The problem with our political system is that it promotes these traits and people can’t tell the difference between genuine intelligence and a veneer of posh rote learning.
If you want to feel slightly more positive about politics, watch Jess Philips’ speaking in last night’s debate; not public-school educated or faux erudite, just genuine, articulate, passionate, bright, incisive and in touch with the interests of the people she represents. An absolute star.