My problem with the Hitler/Stalin/Pol Pot specific comparisons is that it makes it easy for people to miss the larger point. Those are literally some of the worst human beings in species history. As you say, nobody is “just like” those people, but it gives people the chance to discredit the entire argument by saying that the comparison is ridiculous.
I try to stay focused on the attributes, characteristics and actions that point things in those awful directions.
- Identifying certain groups as the enemy
- Undermining overall trust of media and elections
- Pointing to a specific individual as the only possible solution
- ”They’re” taking ”our“ place (“they” and “our” can be a lot of different things)
- Building power based on a cult of personality
There are other things, but these are the first to come to mind.