I think Lucas probably based some of his characteristics on Ming minus the racism. And on the Wizard of OZ. Probably also the Emperor from Dune and a slimy politician controlled by the bootlickers. The reference to Nixon probably was about Vietnam and Watergate. Lucas using a public corruption to describe to Kasdan who the Emperor was. Then again Lucas saw the time before Kennedy’s assassination as a sort of golden time we can’t return to. Watch American Graffiti. Kennedy’s death the end of democracy, Buddy Holly dying and the British invasion the death of rock and roll.

Curt you can’t stay 17 forever, the death of innocence. Hangs over that movie.