"Having closely observed Trump, his businesses, his presidency, and his ongoing statements and public appearances for many years now..."

You have not observed Trump closely because I assume that you have never met the guy, or spent any time whatsoever in his physical presence. All you did was read news reports by others. That's like saying you can fly an airplane or conduct surgery because you read a book about it. I believe the same goes for Trump supporters, because if you had spent some time around them you would know that they like him because he always seems to be really pissing off the right people. They don't like him for his leadership because they don't particularly want to be led. They just like his trolling. Why don't you observe the barely sentinent political hack who is our President NOW, and tell us what you see there. I don't think that people want to be led by him either.