Part 5/11:
Beyond the legal intricacies, the discussion highlights a core concern: the danger of power accumulation and the erosion of democratic norms. The speakers draw parallels to historical figures and regimes where leaders overstayed their welcome, leading to tyranny and human rights atrocities. The phrase "absolute power corrupts absolutely" underpins this worry, underscoring that even well-intentioned leaders can veer into authoritarianism if not checked.
They argue that the American constitutional framework was deliberately designed to prevent this, including the implementation of term limits as a safeguard against tyranny. The specter of a "deep state" allegedly working behind the scenes to extend power further fuels fears of an erosion of democratic principles.