Unfortunately this makes the assumption that logic and critical thinking skills are used when assigning blame.

Instead, it’s a crude game of corralling people with emotions.

You blame the Deep State

Exactly. You tried your best but powerful shadow powers worked against you so you need even more power to fight them. And you know it may sound bad but things have to get worse before they get better. The population has to bear with you for just a bit more and you assure them you won't abuse any powers given to you, and if you do, it's because you were forced to.

It's election day, you get re-elected, rinse and repeat until the next generation has no memory of it ever being different.

Deep State is real though. Has been real for decades. Wikileaks proved it. Current events also. Here's a taste of what I mean

https://youtu.be/WV9J6sxCs5k

Current administration already picked racial minority to blame.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/confinement-unbearable-migrants-de...