Washington, DC Something very strange is happening to President Donald Trump: he’s becoming normal. Take away the Twitter effusions, the odd barmy press conference, and he’s pretty much a conventional Republican leader these days. He cuts taxes. He slashes regulation. He’s loathed by enemies; adored by fans. After President George HW Bush died on November 30, Trump surprised lots of people by doing a convincing impression of a sombre statesman. It’s no secret that the Bush family and the Trumps are at loggerheads. But Trump praised GHW Bush: he called for a day of mourning and tweeted kind words. He even tried to look mournful as he and Melania paid respects to the 41st president lying in state. The Bush family played nice, too. They invited the Trumps to the funeral. They did not want a repeat of Senator John McCain’s funeral in August, which turned into a week-long carnival of Trump-hate. Yes, a few notables made the point that Bush had manners and Donald Trump does not. But generally the old establishment gave Trump a measure of respect, and vice-versa. This has led some optimists to think that, even in the age of Trump, Americans might be learning to get along again. Fat chance, but it’s a pleasant thought.