Those with the most power tend to oppose democracy. And that even seems to be true as we face actual fascism.

Dr. Jennifer Mercieca -- our guest for the second episode of "How are you feeling about democracy?" -- told me that as long as there has been a United States those with the most to lose have been the most afraid of rule by the people. Her first book explored our Founding Fictions. And she thought that might inspire America to become more democratic.

Instead, we got Donald Trump.

Her second book "Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump" exposed the verbal weapons Trump was wielding as he tried to take and hold power.  Now she's warning us that Donald Trump is no longer running just to be a demagogue. He wants to be a dictator.

We spoke to Dr. Mercieca about her love of democracy, Donald Trump's rhetorical yet evil genius, and how she accidentally helped inspire the project that you are now involved in -- earlyworm.