"Do not mistake ignorance for maliciousness & corrupt self interest"

Correct, this is why Bush and Biden and, yes, even Trump, play huge fools in front of the public. You can be as malicious as the devil, just so long as you play the fool while doing it. A malicious leader who admits and dismisses their malicious behavior gets the guillotine. A malicious leader who plays the fool goes unopposed in exchanged for being mocked by his victims.