Let's clear up this Trump/Dictator narrative.

[CJD]

Just as a hypothetical, if a democracy is led by someone who detests democracy, do you think they can use the powers given to them by the people to slowly/gradually erode the democratic principles that prevent a single person of small group of persons from seizing power indefinitely?

That is to say, is it possible to corrupt a democracy?

After all, democracy is not a naturally occurring system unique to America. It's a system implemented by people who want to protect the rights of its citizens and democracy itself must be protected against people who yearn for more power. That's why documents like the constitution were written in the first place. But they are not infallible and can be corrupted or worked around given enough time and effort.

Now, do I think that Trump is capable of this corruption?

Ehh...He may try, but I don't think he is capable enough to actually succeed. At the very least, I don't think Trump respects democracy. He expects to win and any time he doesn't win, he believes is a conspiracy against him. even with no evidence. That kind of thinking is dangerous in the highest office in the country.

In other words, if you gave Trump a little red button that said, "become a dictator," I think he'd press it.

And as for the things he said "out of context," or "as a joke," I think a lot of people "joke" about things they want to do, gauge the reaction and then decide if they really believe it based on the reaction they receive. Internet scholars call this behavior, "Schrodinger's Douchebag," where you decide if something inflammatory you say is a joke or a sincere belief depending on people's reaction to it.

I think that's what Trump was likely doing when he said he'd be a dictator for a day.