From the phrase “Divine Right of Kings” to the equally powerful, “The State is Me,” rulers of nations throughout history have often touted their respective reigns in power as “divinely inspired” or “mandated by the Lord.” As we have moved closer to the present age, the religious connotations have shaded in a more secular direction: in essence, “I alone can best determine a country’s national interest.” Whether that is because of “sacred” inspiration, vast knowledge, or the presumed people’s will,  the “leader” believes only they can “best guide and serve” the populace. Although the French in Europe, and the Japanese and Chinese in Asia, tended to often impute these divine-type characteristics to their respective leaders, most other nations have refrained from doing so.

In the United States, only one President served more than two terms: Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Others, Nixon most readily comes to mind, probably would have enjoyed spending more than eight years in office. But, only Donald Trump has actually and repeatedly referenced himself as the “only one” who could produce certain outcomes, be it peace with the North Koreans and Iranians, or by accomplishing other specific deeds (e.g. producing “the greatest economy,” the “most powerful military,” and on and on). He has also suggested that “many” want him to serve more than two terms. Such comments are signs of mental illness, an inflated ego, or both.

As we move towards November 2020, Trump has intensified his efforts to tie the fate of American security and society to his re-election. Somewhere between 35% and 40% of the American electorate seems to share this view, but that is not, thankfully, a winning total. Nevertheless, between now and November, we remain beset by a pandemic, economic recession,  massive social disruption due to systemic racial disparities, and a world tipped sharply askew by a lack of American reliability in world affairs.

Think about it. Trump has consistently gone against science and simple facts: 120,000+ Americans are dead, with many more to come. His threats and abnormal behavior remain, with social justice protesters his current target. Trump’s attempts to manipulate the economy have taken precedence over human life. On the international front, only dictators and strongmen of the right are willing to work with the United States. Since some of these leaders also believe they are the iconic representatives of their countries, they together have made one reckless and incompetent decision after another (Think about it: Bolsonaro in Brazil and Trump in the U.S. represent the two countries with the worst Covid-19 cases and consequent disruption.). For our democratic allies, Trump’s bellicosity has produced antipathy, not cooperation.

So, the reality is that until November, unless the Republicans in Congress are willing to act, we are facing a precarious—perhaps existential—period of trauma. Trump is grasping for a fading chance of electoral success. His evil and instability are raging. We must be both creative and bold as we deal with the unexpected. Almost nothing remains normal.