Hitler elected president of Germany in 1932

[coolface1572]

Would he have been able to become a dictator under this scenario?

[Kingpoleon]

Yes, more easily. Why wouldn’t he?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Hitler would still use von Papen's naivety by creating some coalition cabinet, perhaps with Franz as nominal Chancellor, to do exactly as he did IRL. If anything, Hitler wouldn't have to worry about upsetting Hindenburg in his early weeks in power.

[brucejoel99]

Yes, of course. He may have less need for the Enabling Act, or would abolish electoral politics in a different fashion, but in such a scenario wherein he's popular enough to win the 1932 presidential election, he would've just been able to rule through Article 48 for life; moreover, the Nazis would probably still be the largest party in the Reichstag, so Hitler could just appoint a Nazi chancellor that would do whatever he wants.

A Hitler win in 1932 would've been difficult to pull off, though, as Hindenburg was a popular war hero with the general public who also had the support of the Weimar coalition parties. Without something crazy happening (say, Hindenburg being assassinated during the campaign), Hitler outright winning the presidency would've been pretty difficult to pull off.