Michael D'Antonio is author of the book, "Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Success" (St. Martin's Press). The opinions expressed in this commentary are his. View more opinion articles on CNN.

(CNN) In President Donald Trump's brief remarks Wednesday about bombs mailed to prominent Democrats who stand in opposition to him, and to the media organization Trump has repeatedly demonized, he did the least a President could do. Although he used words such as "abhorrent" and "despicable," Trump struggled to sound like a true leader of a nation wracked by political conflict that he has intensified to critical mass.

His quiet tone of voice came across as insincere to anyone who is familiar with the intensity of his rally performances, and his failure to mention CNN, the media outlet targeted, exposed where his heart truly lies. This is a man who views the objects of his anger and mockery as less-than-deserving of respect, and who lacks the instinct for decency. He waited for his Vice President, and his daughter, Ivanka, to offer words of support for the targets before he tweeted three mere words -- "I agree wholeheartedly!"

Coming from a man who has often electrified the internet with tweets before the nation is even awake, this response was a pathetic effort.

Then, when he spoke publicly Wednesday afternoon about the threats, Trump offered weak words about bipartisan unity.

It wasn't until Wednesday night, at a rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, that he took a concrete stance, saying "any acts or threats of political violence are an attack on our democracy itself. ... There is one way to settle our disagreements, it's called peacefully at the ballot box."