(CNN) Anyone who wishes to understand how authoritarian leader cults work needs only to listen for their echoes in the evolution of Gov. During three terms in Congress, DeSantis had built up a profile as a "conservative in the Reagan tradition." Men with political ambitions learn quickly that mimicking the leader, in word and deed, can win them a place in the new political world the leader is creating. They learn that the leader rewards public expressions of loyalty and blind devotion -- even better if you are seen teaching those lessons to your children (DeSantis' Trumpist video recalls this). Imitation truly is the best form of flattering an authoritarian or authoritarian wannabe's giant ego.

Source: CNN October 26, 2021 21:35 UTC