I’m enjoying “Everybody’s Fool,” Richard Russo’s long-awaited sequel to “Nobody’s Fool.” Returning from California in January, I recognized Russo at JFK airport while awaiting our flight to Portland. Making eye contact, I whispered; “I won’t ask for your autograph, but I much admire your work.” He grinned, shook my hand, and simply said, “Thanks.”

Miss Beryl, Sully’s endearing landlady, has passed. Sully’s come into some money, but he’s still good ol’ Sully (portrayed by Paul Newman in the 1994 film). I was delighted to read again Miss Beryl’s oft-repeated line, “Donald, don’t you wish you’d done more with the life God gave you?” He responds, “Not often. Now and then.”

Russo’s vividly drawn characters are reminiscent of our current political cast of characters. The expression “You can’t make this [stuff] up” comes to mind. In spite of Donald Trump’s lengthy list of gold-plated accomplishments, obnoxious self-esteem and enormous wealth, he’s every bit a wacky huckster that could perfectly populate Russo’s book.

Rather than everybody’s fool, he’s managed to fool everybody in the GOP (Gullible Old Party) into believing he’s somehow capable or worthy of the office of the presidency. He ain’t.

When I think of admirable philanthropic efforts of the willing wealthy — fostering education, feeding and sheltering the hungry and homeless, I think of Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett, and former president Jimmy Carter, among others.

Conversely, Trump’s about posh private golf courses, gaudy residences, inane “reality” TV shows — and savage business chicanery. A piranha.

Maine in particular should understand fully that unless the electorate comes to its senses, it’s conceivable we’d find ourselves enmeshed in the aberration of a Trump administration.

Should this materialize, I’d beg to ask, not often, but now and then: “Donald, couldn’t you have done something in your life other than run for president?”

Buddy Doyle

Gardiner