Economics & Beyond with Rob Johnson

Lincoln Mitchell: Fear and Fascism: How America Reached a Political Breaking Point

Nov 14, 2024
Lincoln Mitchell, a Political Science Professor at Columbia University, dives into the corrosive rise of fascism in the U.S. He discusses the MAGA movement's strongman leadership and scapegoating of minorities. Mitchell critiques media normalization of extremist rhetoric and emphasizes economic factors influencing voter behavior. The conversation also touches on the importance of rebuilding democratic norms and the challenges of confronting authoritarianism, while advocating for hope and proactive engagement to combat these trends.
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INSIGHT

Defining Fascism Today

  • Fascism in the U.S. is characterized by a strongman leader who claims sole ability to fix problems and scapegoats minorities.
  • It relies on elevating a white Christian nation and controlling the economy through the leadership rather than policy.
INSIGHT

Choosing Fascism Actively

  • Voters actively choose fascism when it gains strength, prioritizing other issues over democracy itself.
  • This choice often comes at the expense of minorities and democratic freedoms.
INSIGHT

Media Normalizes Fascism

  • Media struggles to adapt to new political realities, normalizing fascism out of fear and cognitive dissonance.
  • Established outlets still frame politics as red vs. blue, missing the rise of fascist movements.
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