The Great Tribulation is slated for 7 years . . . the worst of it for 3.5 years . . .
These are the birth pangs leading up to it.
OThuga is a place holder, stalking horse, forerunner.
And probably considered a fairly expendable one, at that.
Agree with the 'ONE' being a place holder; he can do little that would be considered original. As for being expendable; true; OTOH; he makes a perfect empty suit President; for now. Guess we will have to see how much of the Constitution we have left in four years - or less.