@pratik I had the insight a few days ago -- a few days before reading the article I linked to above. I thought Trump, like a lot of autocrats, wanted power. But he just wants applause.

Doesn't make him less evil though.

@MitchWagner Agree. In a way, we’re lucky. If he was also “competent” like some other dictators are, we would be in a lot more trouble.

@pratik One of the strenghts of the American system is it occasionally creates a space for a strong leader to seize power in a crisis -- like FDR or Lincoln -- remake society, and then fade back.

We need a leader like that now. I support Biden, but I don't think it's him. I don't see anybody of that caliber. Maybe AOC, but she won't be ready for years.

And even FDR found himself constrained by a conservative Congress.

@MitchWagner Many view Trump as this kind of leader, in a crisis they see as real. Perhaps the South saw Lincoln the we we see Trump.