When Trump realizes his scorched earth debate tactics, which may have galvanized his base but have left no room for undecideds to turn toward him, have not worked, things will get much uglier. A narcissist baldly confronted with the obliteration of a self-image carefully constructed through years of exaggeration, fabrication, and self-delusion will immolate. Look for even more extreme behavior right up until the election and, if lost, then the remnants of democracy be damned. At best, he will initiate specious litigation causing a wildly contentious court battle that challenges the very machinery that oils our society’s peaceful transition of power. At worst, Americans who do not adhere to both Trump’s self and world views, will find themselves in the crosshairs of a spurned, would-be demagogue.