Listen to the Cassandras

We Must Not Ignore Democracy's Warning Signs

Cassandra stands in front of the burning city of Troy, her hair disheveled denoting the insanity ascribed to her by the Trojans. (Evelyn De Morgan, 1898)

In his new book, my old friend, mentor, and Lincoln Project colleague Stuart Stevens says talking about the crisis in American democracy is akin to describing a pandemic: “Whatever you say at the beginning will sound alarmist, but in the end will prove inadequate.” The alarm bells are ringing.

Donald J. Trump, he of the 91 indictments and attempted coup, wasn’t taken seriously or literally when he came down the escalator more than eight years ago. Throughout his primary campaign, his statements and actions electrified bored Republicans, enriched mainstream media, and convinced the normal that he couldn’t possibly win. Our imagination wasn’t vivid enough.

Trump’s reality, after all he’s said, done, and what he promises to do in a second White House term, still haven’t awoken enough people from their collective slumber. Republicans have heard MAGA’s siren song and are drawn closer to the rocks. Many voters who’ve managed to strap themselves to the mast have chosen the lotus eater’s life; seeing nothing, hearing nothing, hoping to disappear into their phones and realities of their own creation.

The lotus eaters maintained a blissful state of disconnection. Homer/The Odyssey

Finer words than mine have been written about how democracies perish: At the ballot box, not the barrel of a gun. The root causes are dysfunctional government, one political party that has espoused anti-democratic values (such as violence,) and a feckless opposition. The accompanying symptoms include widespread discontent, decimated trust in institutions, and belief that elections don’t matter.

History tells the story better than I ever could. Europe of a century ago was driven to a similar political outcome. When Trump invokes language about “vermin” we call back to Hitler, not because of what happened in 1945, but what brought about the Nazis’ rise to power in 1933. The inputs might have been different, but the potential outputs are similar. Many Germans were instilled with a greater fear of Communists than they were of Nazis.

Berlin 1945

The wealthy, corporate class, aided and abetted by establishment conservatives, thought they could control the upstart National Socialists. They were happy to go along with the nationalism, the socialism, the violence, and the antisemitism so long as they were spared. Much like Trump, Hitler and his gangster pals were uninterested in governing, and ill-equipped, regardless. What they wanted was power and control.

Trump’s rhetoric on his enemies is escalating. When it hits a fever pitch, his campaign claims he doesn’t really mean it. When his allies describe, in detail, their plans for immigrants in a second administration, Trump’s campaign disavows it. This is double-speak. When Trump and company realize they’ve crossed a line (even for them) they conduct a tactical, momentary retreat (re: the Dobbs decision.)

It's time to listen to the Cassandras. We must not be a nation who is unwilling to heed warnings. America’s democracy headed for a Thelma and Louise-like trip into the abyss. We’re headed for the cliff, we must apply the brakes while there is still time. When democracies die, there is no soft landing.

Will you speak out? It’s time to be your own bull horn.

This salvation is a collective effort. Too many Americans are switching dials between the stages of grief. Some are still in denial that 2024 will feature a rematch of Trump and President Joe Biden. Others are angry that our political system has left us (in their mind) no good options. Some want to bargain by backing the likes of No Labels, Robert F. Kennedy, or Joe Manchin. And many are depressed about the whole thing.

Those who consider themselves part of the pro-democracy movement need to move to the last stage, acceptance, immediately. Trump and Biden will be the nominees of their respective parties. One represents the final victory of the Confederacy. The other represents the imperfect continuation of democracy, but a chance to build a bridge over the chasm we’re hurtling toward. Fans of ‘unity tickets’ and third parties must accept that 2024 is neither the time nor the place to begin experimenting with Electoral College fantasies.

If you support the continuation of America’s imperfect experiment, you will support Joe Biden next year. If I were the president, I’d be…frustrated (I’ll keep this sfw) with my party, my allies, and my campaign. To the donor and chattering classes: It’s enough with the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments. Get out there – now – and begin defending your candidates and defining your opponents. This advice isn’t grand political strategy: It’s Campaign 101.

Trump and his allies, including Fox News, the donor class, the front groups, and shock troops have already joined the battle. They are fighting every day to scare enough Americans that, despite all their misgivings, that Trump is a better option next year. Their behavior will not recede, their words will not cool, their actions will further push us to the brink of the unimaginable. Imagine it. Ask yourself: If they’ve already been willing to plan and perpetrate a coup, what makes you think they’re not willing to try again?

Trump and his cronies believe next year is existential. Do you?

As you gather your friends and loved ones around this week, look around. While America’s bounty is laid upon your table, ask yourself what you want your legacy to be. Do you want your mother and dad, your sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters to wake up in a world where they’re no longer the freest people on Earth? Or will you join those patriots of all parties and ideologies, who’ve locked arms to hold back MAGA’s wave. It’s an easy answer for me. How about you?