I think there are probably limits to that though.. when you control all branches of government and are making big splashy displays of firing tens of thousands of people and erecting big trade barriers - there really isn’t anyone else to (convincingly) blame.
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.
