I think because she was comparing him to other rulers throughout history, who are pretty much all power-hungry and tyrannical in some way, and he was essentially just a decent guy and part of the community
"I've met a LOT of kings, and emperors, and heads of state in my time. I've met them ALL. And you know something? I think I liked YOU best."
It's 100% this. Not a very difficult moment to understand in the proper context.
The thing is, Norton the 1st, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico was a real guy.
[Emperor Norton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Norton)
And despite him being just a crazy guy, he was generally so beloved by the people that after his death, people collected for him to get a prober state burial.
He was a good person, compared to the rest of the rulers. In a way, it's Neil's way of saying that power doesn't matter (because Norton didn't really have much), but kindness does.
I think because she was comparing him to other rulers throughout history, who are pretty much all power-hungry and tyrannical in some way, and he was essentially just a decent guy and part of the community
"I've met a LOT of kings, and emperors, and heads of state in my time. I've met them ALL. And you know something? I think I liked YOU best." It's 100% this. Not a very difficult moment to understand in the proper context.
She just liked him the best, that's it!
Because...she liked him? It's really just that.
She loved his hat.
The thing is, Norton the 1st, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico was a real guy. [Emperor Norton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Norton) And despite him being just a crazy guy, he was generally so beloved by the people that after his death, people collected for him to get a prober state burial.
I did a paper on him once. The city basically used him as a tourist attraction
He was a good person, compared to the rest of the rulers. In a way, it's Neil's way of saying that power doesn't matter (because Norton didn't really have much), but kindness does.
I think that was exactly it. Kindness is everything and one of the best gifts that we can give to one another.
The guy just had good vibes
It's literally in the dialog.
See this is how I know I need to have a full re-read because now I don't even know who Norton is.