The MeidasTouch Podcast How Democracies Die with Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Jun 11, 2021
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an NYU professor and expert on authoritarianism, dives deep into the January 6 insurrection, analyzing its implications for American democracy. She discusses the growing threat of fascism within the Republican Party and the challenges of deprogramming its supporters. The conversation sheds light on economic issues, advocating for a living wage and addressing the role of misinformation in politics. With historical context, Ruth emphasizes the urgency of protecting democratic values against rising extremism.
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Birthday Prank Backfires
- The Mysellis brothers have a tradition of pranking each other with fake birthday celebrations at restaurants.
- This tradition caused confusion and frustration when Ben tried it on a college roommate.
Senate Report Downplays Insurrection
- The Senate report on January 6th minimizes Trump's role and avoids calling it an insurrection.
- This bipartisan approach prioritizes political agreement over truth and accountability.
QAnon Supporter's Defense
- Douglas Jensen, a QAnon supporter who chased an officer on January 6th, claims he was deceived by online conspiracies.
- His lawyer argues he's a victim of manipulative figures, highlighting the dangers of misinformation.
