I agree with Ms Wente about many things but not about this. 

If anything Obama was the opposite of meritocratic. He himself has a resume so devoid of real life experience as to be stunning that he was even in the game for the presidency. His policies and behavior as president were that of a socialist ideologue, not a liberal democrat. His unwillingness to engage with Capitol Hill speaks to an aloofness of both thought and behavior, not "coolness". He swept in on the dreams of many for hope and change and proceeded to fan the flames of race baiting, entitlement and social division. And his behavior since Trump's election can only be described as small and petty as he counts out his last days. 

I was glad when America elected a black man as president. It's just so sad they elected this black man.