The chapter explores the current challenges faced by American democracy in defending itself against anti-democratic forces, drawing parallels to historical examples like Hitler and Mussolini who exploited democratic processes to undermine democracy. Discussions revolve around President Biden's dilemma on whether to continue in the race to prevent a potential Trump victory, with debates on his ability to defeat Trump and internal struggles within the Democratic Party. The chapter also examines the threats posed by Trump's presidency to democracy, including the alignment of the conservative supermajority in the court with Trump's desires and the historical radicalization of the Republican Party towards strongman leadership.
As unlikely as it may seem, until this episode was recorded, Kara Swisher and Rachel Maddow had never met. The two sat down for a riveting conversation that connects America’s unsavory and under-told authoritarian history with the unprecedented political peril we find ourselves in today.
After addressing the increasingly desperate calls for President Biden to step down from members of the media and his own party, Kara and Maddow turn to her latest project: the podcast Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra. It focuses on far-right extremism and Nazi propagandists in American politics during the 1930s to 1950s. It’s a story that she connects to the country’s present existential crisis — and one she looks to for guidance, as well. We ask her to explain.
Please note — this interview was recorded prior the the assassination attempt on former President Trump on July 13th.
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Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find Kara on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher
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