What if the former guy suddenly became a Democrat?

[Hortensis]

68. Yes. He also would have noticed from very young what public behaviors got

the most noisy approval and from whom. Talk about running as a Democrat now and then was just big talk. Since he lives for very positive feedback, he must have identified from the beginning the RW authoritarian types who thrilled to RW strongman rabblerousing, delivering the white populist and fascistic rhetoric they wanted.

LWers seeking a cult leader for adulation couldn't have impressed with their much smaller numbers and comparatively weak worst to bring out. And mainstream Democratic types don't do the adoring follower thing he craves. Not his people.