Republicans would "rather end democracy" than turn away from Trump, says Harvard professor

[American Interregnum]

Co-author of "How Democracies Die" says the GOP is ready to seize power. But they might not be able to keep it
By DEAN OBEIDALLAH, SALON

It can happen here. The "it" ought to be obvious by now: an authoritarian or even fascist regime in the United States. That was a big reason why Harvard professor Steven Levitsky, along with his colleague Daniel Ziblatt, published the 2018 book "How Democracies Die." They wanted to warn Americans of the dangerous signs they saw in Donald Trump's presidency that followed the authoritarian playbook.

So where are we now in terms of our democracy? I spoke with Levitsky recently for Salon Talks, and here's one line that really stood out: Levitsky told me, "Five years ago I would have laughed you out of the room if you suggested our democracy could die." But today, he added, we see the Republican Party apparently focused on breaking our democracy. In a nutshell, Levitsky believes the threat to our democracy is more acute today than when Trump was in the White House, since the GOP is desperate to retain its fading power in the face of hostile demographic change.

Levitsky describes today's GOP as "clearly an authoritarian party." Worse yet, it's no longer all about Trump. He sees the GOP continuing on its anti-democratic path for years to come, saying that even the contested term "fascist" is becoming more defensible given the GOP's defense or denial of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Interview

[Thomas Hurt]

1. Well, professor, they GOP has been headed down this path since Reagan...

and fascist, more specifically, christofascist is not only defensible but a reality. The Pig gave it a huge boost, and was, still is hoping to ride christofascism to being America's autocrat, like Putin in Russia.

[Johnny2X2X]

2. Terrifying

I don't know how we stop it.

One of the hallmarks of Authoritarianism, is their supporters become convinced they are not a minority, they think they represent 80% of the country.

[grumpyduck]

3. Of course they don't want to

turn away. He's their role model: a totally worthless prick who can do what he wants. They aspire to be like him.

Sometimes I think it's not about politics or power, but more about their fucked-up personalities.

[RKP5637]

4. I think you are quite correct, "Sometimes I think it's not about politics or power, but more ... "

"Sometimes I think it's not about politics or power, but more about their fucked-up personalities." I've had the same conclusion for some time now. It's all about hero worship and clearly cult behavior.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

10. Yup

They got fucked up narcissistic authoritarian sociopath personalities.

They are a problem because of who they are.

Dark triad personalities are the biggest danger to humanity. Global climate change is the biggest danger,but dark triad personalities are getting in the way of what must be done to save this planet. In that way they are the number one danger to humanity.

[bullwinkle428]

5. I didn't go to Harvard or any other Ivy League school, and still figured this

out on my own...

[FakeNoose]

6. This is why Chump needs to be taken out of the picture asap

He needs to be charged, tried and imprisoned - or otherwise tied up with legal entanglements. He must be neutralized and the deluded ChumpHumpers need to see how helpless and useless he really is. The only power he has is what he grifts from them.

By the way, how can Apple allow him on their social media? This is insane.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

11. Love that gif

You go kitty.

Ever notice animals dont like tfg?

[liberalmediaaddict]

7. Actually...

"Trump supporters would "rather end democracy" than turn away from Trump."
Nobody is forcing Americans to still support Trump. The fact he still has people who want him to be President again after all he's done to this country is tragic.

At this point I don't even know if it would matter if the GOP disavowed Trump. I don't even know if criminally prosecuting Trump would make a difference. He'll remain a dark cloud hovering over America until his followers find someone else to blindly follow.

[lame54]

8. Whomever they choose...

As long as Trump is still alive he will tear their new messiah down and constantly hang around their neck

He will never support their second choice

[JustAnotherGen]

9. k and r