[Tainnor]

I wish people didn't use the Hitler comparison because it always derails discussion (almost everyone is better than Hitler, even Trump). There are however enough other cases throughout history of people being elected and then becoming dictators.

[eterps]

Interesting point.

Actually there are more interesting parallels to be found between Trump and Mussolini:

- Both displayed arrogant ignorance and avoided in-depth conversations

- Shared a tendency to appear knowledgeable rather than actually being knowledgeable

- Demonstrated hostility toward the press

- Appointed family members to high government positions

- Exhibiting thin-skinned reactions to criticism

- Showing contempt for experts and professionals

- Took credit for successes while blaming others for failures

- Working with existing nationalist movements

- Attacking democratic institutions as "enemies of the people"

But I don't think that would not derail the discussion. Pretty much any comparison with a dictator leads to painful discussion.

The question is, how would it even be possible to address this in a constructive way. I honestly don't know.

[Tainnor]

> But I don't think that would not derail the discussion. Pretty much any comparison with a dictator leads to painful discussion.

Yes, but when the dictator is also someone who orchestrated the holocaust, the discussion becomes all about how Trump doesn't literally hate Jews etc.

[epakai]

It is the exact right comparison though. Conservatives failed to maintain power on their ideals. The weak party clings to power, and propels a populist into power. He scapegoats immigrants, and liberal ideas for the general malaise. The only saving grace is that he is old, and not genocidal.

People wouldn't be as familiar with the outcome if we were to discuss those other dictators. I'm certainly unaware of their parallels.