The strong man formula is as old as civilization itself. Set up an infallible leader to control the narrative and hypnotize the population through a show of strength only to see the entire house of cards later collapse.
True efficacy of the leader is much less important than the propaganda.
The problem with this political tactic is that you create a cult of personality which surrounds the leader. It encourages a culture of fear where contradiction of the figure head brings potential violence to anyone who dares say a negative word. The hypnotized cult will come to your door in the middle of the night.
Dissent ostensibly then becomes a punishable offense.
America ended up here by not addressing deep seated issues related to racism, economic inequality, foreign policy, etc.
Most people in power surrounding Trump already realize they made a grave error but admitting it too loudly will only guarantee self destruction. Hence, they must defend the indefensible knowing they will likely go down with the ship. Better that than face the pitchforks of the populace I suppose.
Rats like Tucker Carlson (an odious white nationalist grifter) have already smelled the trade winds and have disowned the emperor. The penalty for doing so isn't grave considering the poll numbers are in the basement and will only worsen.
However, the ensuing damage will be generational which makes me feel bad for the victims who didn't ask or buy into it.
It's as old as time.
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