The US election showed that democratic elections can include electing quasi dictatorial characters. That is the nature of a democracy. Every now and then it throws a cat among the pigeons. As we have learned from global politics, however, the key to maintaining a functioning democracy is a free media. If the cat decides to and is able to control the media, that will be when the pigeons are in the most trouble. It is not on the line in the US yet. That will be when democracy is on the line.