I keep hearing this exact same sentiment, in various quarters, from Trump supporters. I would suggest that it is this that is a "strawman." I can't speak for the author of this article, but, speaking for myself, I understand very well the "basis of Trump's appeal."
It is precisely that which I find so troubling (as, I suspect, does the author).
We have both parties in Congress willing to surrender their powers under the Constitution to the Executive Branch. The Iran deal and budget bills like the recent Omnibus bill fail to invoke Congressional authority and control. The Reps joined with the Dems to make this possible. So now NR is worried that Trump will become the new dictator ala Obama.
If Trump gets into the WH, I can assure you that Congress will make it far more difficult for him to achieve his agenda than it did for Obama. You can bet that the Dems will act like a real opposition party and you can also rely on the GOPe to throw roadblocks in Trump's way.
The reality is that Trump will not have the same latitude and leeway to act unilaterally as Obama has. The NR will be part of the MSM cabal castigating Trump in the WH. No more fawning MSM, which will also act as a check on Trump or any Rep who gets to the WH.