The idea of a third term tests the very limits of American democracy. The 22nd Amendment exists for a reason to prevent any one person from holding power too long, no matter how popular they are.

Trump’s ability to keep this conversation alive shows how effectively he understands political theater or how dumb his base is. It keeps his base energized, his name in the headlines, and his rivals off balance. There’s a fine line between political strategy and undermining democratic norms, and the country has to be careful not to cross it.