KQED's Forum David Brooks on 'Why America Needs a Mass Movement – Now'
10 snips
Oct 23, 2025 
David Brooks, an opinion columnist for The New York Times and PBS NewsHour contributor, discusses the pressing need for a mass movement to counter the rise of populist authoritarianism. He questions the absence of a robust resistance and argues that Trumpism could persist for a generation. Brooks suggests leveraging stories and historical movements to unite diverse groups against authoritarianism. He emphasizes the importance of deepening our connections with others to build meaningful alliances and reclaim patriotism through social mobility.
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Gangsterism As Political Strategy
- David Brooks argues Trumpism is an effort to make the world safe for gangsterism by eroding norms and protections.
- He sees this as nihilistic power-seeking that measures power by others' suffering, not persuasion.
MAGA Is Cultural, Not Just Political
- Brooks sees MAGA as a global populist culture that supplies identity, belonging, and even religion to followers.
- He argues opponents must build comparable cultural and moral institutions, not just win elections.
Pair Protest With A Positive Vision
- Build movements with both righteous 'no' denunciations and a coherent positive vision rooted in ideas and institutions.
- Use intellectual work, conferences, and cultural framing to sustain a movement beyond protest moments.
