There was a time when I cringed at the idea of having a tweet-happy commander in chief. I believed it cheapened the presidency. I still feel that way, but given our new reality — having a president in the Oval Office who’s reviled by 99.9 percent of the media — I understand why President Trump tweets.

According to an upcoming interview with Trump’s first wife, Ivana, Trump himself wasn’t always so sure he should tweet. He apparently sought Ivana’s advice, who assured him he should. Many people will find that fascinating, the idea that Trump would not only seek advice in the first place but that he would seek it from his first wife.

It doesn’t surprise me at all. I’m convinced, and (indeed many have pointed out here and here and here) that the Trump we see on television is very different from the private Trump. Even he admitted as much! I’ve said from the beginning that Trump is no doubt much kinder, gentler, and respectful of others — yes, even of women — than most people think. Because most of what the public thinks about anyone high-profile is filtered entirely through the media.