Yes. It's the sort of behavior one usually sees from lesser-country petty tyrants like Erdogan (Turkey) and Netanyahu (Israel). They're elected, and don't have full autocratic power, but they heavily abuse what power they have to stay in power. This problem was classic among the central American countries and Mexico, although that part of the world is looking up a bit.
Historically, leaders like this are not rare. They're just rare in US history. In the US, they've rarely advanced beyond the mayor level. (See Tweed Ring, Pendergast machine, Daley machine, etc.) Huey Long made it to one term as Louisiana governor; he's the best known US example of the type.
Historically, leaders like this are not rare. They're just rare in US history. In the US, they've rarely advanced beyond the mayor level. (See Tweed Ring, Pendergast machine, Daley machine, etc.) Huey Long made it to one term as Louisiana governor; he's the best known US example of the type.