The chapter delves into the threats democracies face through the ballot box rather than violence, using examples like Viktor Orban and concerns about Trump's intentions for the 2024 election. It also explores the historical opposition to liberal consensus in American politics, from post-FDR's New Deal era to challenges against civil rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting recurring authoritarian figures in history.
Trump’s historic felony conviction, a SCOTUS ruling in favor of presidential immunity, and a dumpster fire Biden vs. Trump debate: Those are just a few of the things that have happened on the American democracy front since Kara spoke to historian Heather Cox Richardson in January. In a special Independence Day episode, Kara and Heather replay that conversation, including history lessons from her book Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, and then rejoin at the end. They discuss what Heather thought of the first presidential debate, why she believes changing presidential horses mid-race would be disastrous for Democrats, and how events of the past six months have (or haven't) changed her perspective about American Democracy.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find Kara on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher
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