How Patriots Fight Back Against Presidents (with Corey Brettschneider)
Mar 10, 2025
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Corey Brettschneider, a political theorist and constitutional scholar, dives deep into the history of presidential overreach and its implications for democracy. He discusses how past leaders like Woodrow Wilson contributed to systemic racism and the internment of Japanese Americans. The conversation emphasizes the power of grassroots activism in defending democratic principles and parallels between historical figures like Frederick Douglass and today's challenges. Brettschneider also highlights the necessity of local governance in resisting federal overreach and ensuring accountability.
Corey Brettschneider identifies five U.S. presidents whose actions and philosophies posed significant threats to democratic principles throughout history.
The podcast emphasizes that civic engagement is essential in countering presidential overreach and preserving democratic norms against authoritarian tendencies.
Brettschneider draws parallels between historical crises and contemporary challenges, advocating for learning from the past to inspire current civic responsibility and recovery.
Deep dives
Executive Overreach and Its Historical Context
The discussion highlights the theme of executive overreach as a persistent threat to democracy in American history. Political theorist Corey Bretschneider identifies five presidents whose actions significantly undermined democratic principles: John Adams, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Woodrow Wilson. Each of these leaders not only engaged in defiant actions but also embraced authoritarian philosophies that sought to redefine the Constitution to justify their power. Bretschneider emphasizes that the danger extends beyond specific actions to the underlying philosophical shifts that these presidents represented.
Philosophical Authoritarianism and Its Consequences
Bretschneider argues that the true threat posed by these presidents lies in their philosophical approaches to democracy, which often rationalize authoritarian governance under the guise of efficiency and order. For instance, Wilson's promotion of white supremacy and national efficiency exemplifies the dangers of redefining democratic norms. By exploring these philosophical roots, the conversation points to how these figures managed to challenge established democratic principles with arguments that seemed rational at the time. This history serves as a cautionary tale about how presidential power can be manipulated to undermine citizen rights.
Civic Engagement as a Response to Authoritarianism
Amid discussions of crisis and recovery, Bretschneider emphasizes the role of civic engagement in reclaiming democracy. Throughout history, active citizen participation has been key to resisting the authoritarian tendencies of presidents, with ordinary citizens and movements rising to hold power accountable. He references examples of civic action from past recovery agents, illustrating how local efforts often generated significant political changes. By fostering a culture of engagement, citizens can challenge anti-democratic forces and ensure the preservation of constitutional principles.
Lessons for Modern Democracy
Bretschneider's analysis draws parallels between historical crises and contemporary challenges in American democracy. He argues that while history may seem daunting, it is also rich with examples of resilience and recovery that can inspire current citizens. He highlights that understanding past events helps inform present actions, reinforcing the need for civic responsibility. This historical perspective fosters hope, suggesting that despite current struggles, recovery from threats to democracy is achievable through civic engagement and advocacy.
The Role of Recovery Presidents
The concept of 'recovery presidents' is central to Bretschneider's argument, as he identifies leaders who have successfully restored democratic norms after moments of crisis. He reflects on the political dynamics that enable recovery figures to enact change, emphasizing the importance of being responsive to civic demands. Figures like Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt serve as examples of leaders who navigated through difficult periods and sought to uphold the tenets of democracy. Bretschneider insists that recognizing the complexities and challenges faced by recovery presidents is crucial for contemporary leaders looking to foster a healthier political environment.
American democracy has never been a given—it has been tested, strained, and at times, nearly broken. Some of the greatest threats have come not from foreign adversaries but from within—from presidents who sought to expand their power beyond constitutional limits.
In his new book, The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It, political theorist and constitutional scholar Corey Brettschneider explores these moments of crisis and resistance, offering lessons for our own time.
At a live event recorded at the Robert H. Smith Auditorium at The New York Historical, Corey joined Preet to discuss the dangers of executive overreach, the resilience of democratic institutions, and the lessons history holds for today.
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