Is it fair to compare Trump with a certain infamous tyrant of the past?

There are a lot of people who believe any comparison of past world leaders to those of today is so much foolishness. After all, times are different, people are different, and there is the assumption that we have learned from our past mistakes.

Even bringing up the names of Adolf Hitler and Donald Trump in the same sentence is going to rile some readers. And I agree that throwing names around and trying to convince others that these two are somehow joined at the hip is not a good thing to do.

Yet, Donald Trump is brilliant, and his skills at public manipulation are unmatched. So when he uses the same words used by Hitler, and calls people the same names called by Hitler, and stirs the same emotions stirred by Hitler, I perk up and pay attention. After all, a guy like Trump is a master manipulator, and generally says what he means.

Comparing the methods employed by Adolf Hitler in his rise to power and Donald Trump's successful 2016 presidential campaign is a sensitive and complex matter. Both figures utilized propaganda, charisma and political maneuvering to achieve goals, but within radically different contexts and with vastly different outcomes. Analyzing the similarities and differences certainly offers valuable insights into the dangers of populism, the power of communication and the evolving landscape of political discourse.

For example, take nationalism and scapegoating. Both Hitler and Trump tap into existing frustrations and anxieties.

Hitler exploited German discontent after World War I, blaming Jews and minorities for the country's woes. Trump capitalizes on economic anxieties and cultural grievances among blue-collar Americans, painting immigrants and globalization as threats to their way of life. Both leaders use nationalist rhetoric to unify their supporters and create a sense of "us vs. them."

Both men are masters in the use of propaganda. They both are adept at manipulating media and communication to their advantage.

Hitler employed posters, rallies, and radio broadcasts to spread his message of hate and fear. Trump, a television personality before entering politics, leverages social media and reality TV tactics to craft a unique and often controversial public image. Both use simple slogans and emotionally charged language to resonate with their base and bypass traditional gatekeepers of information.

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Both Hitler and Trump possess undeniable charisma and the ability to connect with large audiences.

Hitler exuded a mesmerizing power and spoke directly to the hopes and fears of the German people. Trump's brash, unconventional style and promise to shake up the political establishment resonates with voters seeking change. Both leaders skillfully cultivate an image of themselves as strong, decisive figures who could restore national greatness.

Trump, like Hitler, rose to power during a period of political and economic instability. Hitler exploited the fragile Weimar Republic following WWI, while Trump benefits from disillusionment with the American political establishment. Both positioned themselves as outsiders who would challenge the status quo and deliver on promises of national renewal.

Yet there are differences.

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Hitler's rise to power occurred in a context of post-war despair, hyperinflation and political fragmentation. He exploited a defeated nation's vulnerability and manipulated existing anti-Semitism to further his goals. Trump's campaign, while playing on anxieties, is taking place again in a relatively stable democracy with strong institutions.

It is the nature of masterful propaganda and rhetoric that stirs the hearts of some within the population.

While both use inflammatory language, Hitler's propaganda was built on blatant racism, xenophobia and calls for violence. He demonized specific groups and actively pursued their persecution. Trump's rhetoric, while divisive, primarily targets political opponents and policies rather than specific ethnic or religious groups.

Hitler's rise was aided by the nascent radio technology, allowing him to reach a wide audience directly. Trump, however, capitalizes on the explosion of social media and cable news, creating a constant feedback loop between himself and his supporters. This allows for much faster dissemination of information and the creation of echo chambers where misinformation flourishes.

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Although Hitler's rise to power culminated in the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust. Trump's first presidency, while controversial, did not lead to similar levels of violence or oppression. However, it resulted in increased political polarization, social unrest and attacks on democratic institutions. It should be noted that Trump is veering away from democratic institutions with his attempts to undercut the results of the last presidential election, by his statements of using the presidency to get even with his perceived enemies and by wanting to be dictator for a day so that he could deal with the “vermin.”

Comparing Hitler's rise to power and Trump's campaign for president underscore the potential dangers of populism, the power of propaganda to manipulate emotions and the importance of a vigilant citizenry in safeguarding democratic values. While Trump's rhetoric and tactics certainly echo some aspects of Hitler's playbook, it is crucial that we protect our safeguards so that we do not create our own American fascist leader.

Donald Trump is famous for short, punchy messages often containing misinformation and inflammatory language. Examples include calling immigrants "rapists" and the media "the enemy of the people."

At rallies he pushed attendees to chant "Lock her up!" and "Build the wall!" This fosters a sense of us vs. them while targeting specific groups like immigrants and the media. His campaign ads feature images of illegal immigrants flooding the border and Muslims celebrating 9/11, stoking fear and distrust of perceived threats, as well as his promise to "drain the swamp" resonating with voters seeking change.

Both men possess undeniable charisma and the ability to connect with large audiences. Hitler's charisma was described as hypnotic and dangerous, while Trump's is more brash and unconventional.

Hitler plotted to kill millions. Trump is asking the Supreme Court for unrestricted immunity to do whatever he wants whenever he wants to whomever he chooses … and that includes you.

Bill Gindlesperger is a central Pennsylvanian, Dickinson College graduate, Pennsylvania System Of Higher Education (PASSHE) Governor, Shippensburg University Trustee, and Chairman of eLynxx Solutions. eLynxx provides cloud-software for sourcing and managing print and mail marketing. He is a board member, campaign advisor, successful entrepreneur, published author and commentator. He can be reached at Bill.Gindlesperger@eLynxx.com

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Is it fair to compare Trump with an infamous tyrant of the past?