He might not have anticipated all the particulars, such as the porn actress in the hotel room and the illicit payoff to keep her quiet.
But he feared that eventually a criminal might occupy the presidency and use his powers to thwart anyone who sought to hold him accountable.
But as hard as they worked to establish checks and balances, the system they constructed to hold wayward presidents accountable ultimately has proved to be unsteady.
And it raises fundamental questions about the limits of power in a second term, should Mr. Trump be returned to office.
Given that, it would be hard to imagine what institutional deterrents could discourage abuses or excesses.
Persons:
Patrick Henry, ”, Donald J, Trump