Nothing easier than to insinuate drugs into his regime that could induce dementia-like symptoms, and make him pliable. Then drop the regime after they had bullied him into not running, where he could (as it were) look with horror on what had happened, under the threat that they could plunge him back if he didn't comply. So, now, he seems cogent---but he is so whipped into compliance.

And the message could be still more prevarication, to put us off our guard. We will see on Jan 20th if we can collect on his promise.