Gergen has often been critical of Trump, so his praise for Trump’s efforts is meaningful. It’s just that the word he chose — “presidential” — has become something of a punditry punchline. Few other presidents have had to demonstrate that they can behave in a manner consistent with the expectations of the presidency because most former presidents have (a) come from the world of politics and (b) not been prone to off-the-cuff insults and falsehoods. Trump prided himself on not being a politician; now, referring to him as “presidential” is one of the highest compliments a pundit can give.

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In light of Gergen’s comments, a quick review of other times at which members of the media — and members of his own party — have determined that now, at last, Trump was acting like a president:

Jan. 23, according to Tamara Keith on PBS’s “Newshour.”

What Trump did: He actually became president.

Well, first, one thing that happened at the White House today is that President Trump did things that a president does. He held meetings with people and looked presidential. He signed these three presidential memoranda, which is a perfectly normal and expected thing for a president to do when they come into office, including one that is related to funding of organizations that would perform abortion overseas.

Jan. 24, according to Christine Romans on CNN.

What Trump did: He made it through the first weekend.

So, despite, you know, the Trump waiting back into some of the same controversial waters, Republicans inside and outside the White House feel the administration is now back on track following the president’s first weekend. These Republicans say spokesman Sean Spicer struck the right tone and that President Trump himself looked presidential.

Jan. 27, according to former British ambassador Christopher Meyer.

What Trump did: He had a meeting with the prime minister of Britain.

He did look quite presidential, because he was restrained.

Feb. 21, according to Mark Preston on CNN.

What Trump did: He visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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Presidential, subdued, pointed out, of course, the contributions that African Americans have given to this country. Specifically, those who helped lead the fight for equality and equal rights. … So you know, by and large, Donald Trump acted like a president and not somebody who wakes up at 4:00 a.m. and starts firing off tweets to his critics.

Feb. 28, according to Rep. Raul Labrador (R-Idaho).

What Trump did: Gave a speech to Congress.

I think he actually moved the ball quite a bit because a lot of people were expecting a different speech and a different president, but he looked as presidential as he’s ever looked and he really connected with people.

March 1, according to the Arizona Republic.

What Trump did: Gave a speech to Congress.

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This was the speech he should have given Jan. 20 at his inaugural rather than the “American carnage” address he delivered on the Capitol’s West Front. That man looked small and petulant. This man looked presidential.

March 2, according to the Buffalo News.

What Trump did: Gave a speech to Congress.

It’s unwise to draw firm conclusions based on one speech, but it’s fair to say that Trump seemed presidential. That’s worth noting. There were frequent misstatements, as fact-checkers noted, but no histrionics, no crass insults, no demonizing of those who question his priorities and his leadership.

April 6, according to Fareed Zakaria on CNN.

What Trump did: Bombed Syria.

I think Donald Trump became President of the United States. I think this was actually a big moment.

April 6, according to former Democratic Party press secretary Jose Aristimuno on Fox News.

What Trump did: Bombed Syria.

We should have an independent investigation on the connections with the election in 2016 with the Russians. We ought to continue that investigation. But, look, the important thing here is that President Trump acted presidential, and I’m happy he did so….

May 22, according to Bob Schieffer on Fox News.

What Trump did: Gave a speech in Saudi Arabia.

He actually sounded presidential. You may agree or disagree with what he said. But he sounded like a president. He laid out his vision; he called for help from those in the Muslim world. It was a much different kind of presentation.

June 16, according to John Cassidy in the New Yorker.

What Trump did: Made comments after a shooting at a congressional baseball practice.

On Wednesday, the hundred and forty-fifth day of his Presidency, Donald Trump did something out of character: he acted Presidential.

July 7, according to David Gergen on CNN.