What's terrifying to me is that this many people seem to need a "strong man" to "make things right."

Why is that, exactly? That's a bigger problem that we need to understand before we even get to talks of policy.

Very few people actually care or understand any policy besides the talking points given them by their chosen party. I know this because I watch local government agendas/discussions quite carefully, and when you try to discuss them with others, the answer is mostly "I don't have time for all of that, I have to drive my kid to sports practice." And that's just on the local level; forget more complex state, federal, and international concerns.