The latest CBS News poll shows Carson just four points behind Trump, within the margin of error, among GOP voters nationally–a statistical dead heat. (Yesterday, we noticed a similar result among Iowa GOP voters.)

Trump has responded aggressively to the very mild and obviously truthful observation by Carson that Carson’s faith is more apparent part of his life than Trump’s is. He also responds with nuclear force to any critique, and, in this case, he responded by questioning Dr. Carson’s faith, his position on abortion, his energy levels, and even his medical skills.

Trump also just said he will appoint the most “ruthless” negotiators as his strategy: “If I’m elected, I know the smartest, I know the toughest, I know the meanest. Some are just horrible human beings.”

Make America great again: appoint just horrible human beings.

Mr. Mean versus the Gentle But Strong Father.

500 years ago, Machiavelli asked whether it is better for the Prince to be loved or feared. Trump may be about to find out.

Maggie Gallagher is a senior fellow at American Principles in Action.