They also didn’t foresee Americans being so gullible

It's not that deep. The average IQ in this country is 98. Comprehension level is 5th grade. 25% functionally illiterate. We exist in a society filled with people who can recite sporting stats or a celebs life story but not the three branches of Government.

OMG, I say the same thing all the time! I’ve watched children recite rap songs before they could recite the alphabet

One reason is willful ignorance another is misinformation and disinformation on a biblical scale put that together with the fact that people don’t read anything of substance anymore.

They also thought the leopard wouldn’t eat their face

Damn good Idea Mark!