[txrangerette]

Of course any official could become a dictator but it isn't because he doesn't follow what he considers to be current public opinion. It's because he goes outside the law and the Constitution and brings power to bear that he actually does not have. And benevolent (as you mentioned0 or malignant has nothing to do with it.

[Just another Joe]

Of course any official could become a dictator but it isn't because he doesn't follow what he considers to be current public opinion.

I'll agree with that.