Interesting take, Reg.   Do you suppose that a related perception existed in Germany during Hitler's rise to power and his subsequent solution to his problems--eradicate the Jews, say--any guilt of which the people, not acknowledging the horror of Hitler's act, were able to deny in the same way you have described Trump's supporters:  That is Hitler just being Hitler? It doesn't say much for US citizens who reside in a representative government, unwilling to admit that Trump's actions, regardless of their callous and disgusting stupidity, reflects and truly represents them.  Unless, "we're angry with government , period!, any government, even the one we elect", provides an excuse on which they blindly lean. Copping that plea, the ultimate transference of guilt, enables them to cast another vote for Trump; while not a representative government, enabled Germans to Heil Hitler, regardless of how monstrous the insult to their prevailing Lutheran beliefs.

It wasn't me, it was the 'gun' I sent to the White House.