On June 12, it was emphasized that America’s democracy is genuinely in peril. This statement is not to be taken lightly and deserves serious consideration. It is important to understand the gravity of the situation and take appropriate actions to safeguard the democratic values upon which America was founded.
In a rare occurrence since the founding of the United States in 1776, the presidential candidates and their respective parties are claiming that the opposing side poses a significant threat to the country’s democracy. What’s even more concerning is that a significant number of Americans from both political parties share this belief.
President Joe Biden has labeled Donald Trump, who has been impeached twice and convicted once, as a “dictator” who would impose his own brand of authoritarian rule on the country. To those who seek concrete proof, the Heritage Foundation’s conservative report, “Project 2025,” or the proposals put forward by former Trump adviser Russ Vought on fundamentally altering the Constitution, offer compelling insights into the actions a potential Trump administration would take if elected to a second term.
Trump views Biden as the “worst president in U.S. history” and has promised retaliation and revenge if he wins the election. Despite Trump’s belief that this will lead to a successful presidency, many are wary of the potential negative consequences of such actions.
According to Republicans, the Justice Department has been utilized as a weapon by Democrats to impede or sabotage the Trump campaign through lawfare and the fraudulent New York trial concerning hush money. On the other hand, Democrats are apprehensive that if the Republicans return to power, they will become more forceful in their retribution against them.
The division between the two parties and the majority of Americans seems to be insurmountable. The lack of civility and respect in public discourse, replaced by hate and venom, has exacerbated the situation. Politics has lost the concepts of compromise and dignity. As we approach the general election in less than five months, the conditions are likely to worsen further.
It’s worth noting the irony that the election is scheduled for November 5th, which is celebrated as Guy Fawkes Day in Britain. This day marks the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which aimed to destroy the Parliament.
In American politics, a widespread crisis of legitimacy has taken hold, resulting in a high level of distrust towards institutions and fellow citizens. This sentiment is reflected in numerous polls throughout society, underscoring the depth of the issue. Even the Supreme Court, which was once considered a sacred institution, has been caught up in this quagmire. Recent controversies such as justices accepting millions of dollars in “hospitality” gifts and displaying flags have come under intense scrutiny, further eroding public trust.
Trust and legitimacy are essential in a political system based on checks and balances. However, these can be compromised, especially after an election. In the case of the 2020 presidential election, former President Trump refused to accept the results, and many of his supporters shared the same sentiment. Moreover, Trump has hinted that he will only accept the results of the 2024 election if he wins, which could lead to a severe crisis if he loses. This scenario could potentially trigger the most intense crisis in the United States since 1861.
The belief that each party poses a danger to democracy has been declared and embraced deeply. The possibility of losing an election and potentially leading to an end to America as we know it makes it highly unlikely for either party to accept defeat gracefully. The level of animosity and mutual hatred between the two parties makes it unrealistic to expect either side to show good sportsmanship and concede. The idea that fair play will prevail is simply not practical.
The possibility of the events of Jan. 6 and the subsequent riots that resulted in the Capitol’s occupation to evolve into an American rendition of Israel’s Oct. 7, leading to massive armed violence, cannot be dismissed. While it’s highly unlikely that Americans would resort to the heinous tactics employed by Hamas to commit barbaric crimes, the notion of taking hostages to manipulate Electoral College votes cannot be ruled out entirely.
In 2020, George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis policeman, and the aftermath of this event spread throughout the nation. The sheer number of firearms, destructive devices, and other weapons legally present in the United States creates alarming possibilities. Despite constitutional checks and balances and Americans’ innate reluctance to harm one another, there are those who believe that extreme and potentially widespread violence is not out of the question.
If both parties are convinced that the other will ultimately harm democracy, can Americans exercise restraint? It’s difficult to justify entrusting the government to a party that seeks to destroy it, and if these deep-seated animosities remain unchecked, it could lead to unanswerable and potentially existential questions.
As the election approaches and both parties become increasingly desperate to win, it’s unlikely that the heated rhetoric will cool down anytime soon. In fact, it may become even more inflamed and irrational. It’s reminiscent of King Canute’s futile attempt to roll back the ocean. As Ben Franklin wisely noted, “You can have a republic for all long as you can keep it.” The true test of this will come on Nov. 5.
Harlan Ullman, UPI’s Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist and a senior adviser at the Atlantic Council in Washington, is the prime author of “shock and awe” and “The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD: How Massive Attacks of Disruption Became the Looming Existential Danger to a Divided Nation and the World at Large.” Follow him on Twitter at @harlankullman. The opinions and perspectives presented in this commentary are the author’s own.
