I think most organizations suffer from this problem, not just governments.
For example, there are megachurches[0] that have gained huge followings only to collapse due to leaders with this personality and the will to hold onto power.
[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Hill_Church#Church_reorga...
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Though I suspected, I didn't fully realize how much "playing the part" mattered until I participated in the endorsement process before, during and after my own candidacy.
I used to care about a candidate's policies, platform, positions. Now I only care about a candidate's ability to get elected.
Before, I didn't understand the "realpolitick" viewpoint, and actively criticized it. Imagine my chagrin after I flipped my worldview.
To get a glimpse of what I'm talking about, watch a bunch of endorsement interviews. Many jurisdictions post a video voter's guide. Some orgs and publications will post their interviews. Better is to show up and watch. As in join your local party (whatever flavor). Best would be to run for office and see it from the other side.
I know that a huge under appreciated aspect is learning that successful candidates are not like normal people. Going to all the same events, even carpooling with your opponents, you see what it takes to win. Politicians are super human. And have to love it. Doubly so for electeds.
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As for the Mars Hill guy... That's a story as old as religion.
We now know that some percentage of people are predisposed to authoritarianism. Let's say 15%. If it wasn't Mark Driscoll (?), they'd follow some other charismatic leader.
Well, 15% is a lot. If you have 100, or even 1,000, devoted followers, you have the start of a movement. I've I read up on Mars Hill (and others). Their origins stories are all kinda the same. They sell a great story. Everyone believes their part of something bigger than themselves.
I still don't know what to make of all this.
I've seen many others attempt this transformation. Some are naturals. Some learn fast. Most fail (like me).
My point: The audience demands politicians play the role of politician. Over time, the person becomes the role (because how we talk changes how we think).
I don't think the person Linus could be successful playing the role of Linus Master of the Kernel without adopting that persona. So if he wasn't that way beforehand, he adapted.
I'm not excusing bad behavior.