This blog turns nine years old in a few weeks. One of its recurring themes is that Trump is a man on golf cart–a wannabe man on horseback who simply can’t cut the mustard because he’s too lazy and easily distracted. Many commentators, mostly on the right, think his second term will follow the same pattern, so fears of a dictatorship are overblown. Are they right?
No, for four reasons. First, the 2024 version of Trump is angrier and openly seeking revenge against his many opponents. Second, as all of the books about the Trump first term will tell you, his worst instincts were held in check by the bureaucracy. This time, he will be surrounded by people who will be fanning the flames. Third, there is no one formula for being a dictator. Stalin was a hard worker, but Hitler was lazy; his practice was to give vague orders and leave all of the details to his subordinates, who were required to compete for his favor. Does that ring any bells for you? Finally, Trump knows he will never lose office through the impeachment process, and the judicial system will roll over for him as long as he is in the White House. What does he have to lose by pushing the envelope?