Was Charles deGaulle an authoritarian, a generic strong man, or small d democrat?

[Tomconroy]

18. When he lost elections at the end of WW II and in the late 60s he

left quietly. I don't think he was in power in the 50s so had nothing to do with Viet Nam, I think. He was called back to power to deal with a disastrous colonial war in Algeria and once in power ended French involvement pretty quickly. Wasn't that what The Day of the Jackal was about? French generals unhappy that he would grant Algeria independence?
I read his three volume autobiography which covered the years right up to his being voted out of office right after WW II. It made for interesting reading. He pretty much single handedly tried to restore French honor after its disastrous defeat in the Spring of 1940. FDR detested him but I've come to the conclusion he was a great man.
He deeply believed that his own destiny was tied up with the greater destiny of France.
PS: Not sure what he thought of JFK but he adored Jackie.