On with Kara Swisher Trump vs Democracy: Two Historians’ Perspectives
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Nov 7, 2024 
Lindsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, and Timothy Naftali, a senior research scholar at Columbia University, dive into the potential implications of Trump's reelection on American democracy. They discuss historical parallels between past leaders and Trump's authoritarian tendencies, the fragility of democratic institutions, and the dangers of unchecked power. The conversation also highlights the need for accountability and the importance of media literacy in navigating today's political landscape.
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1790s vs. Today
- The 1790s saw similar threats to democracy as today, including violence and contested elections.
- However, the founders' shared sense of fragility and skin in the game fostered compromise.
Trump's Retribution
- Trump's 2024 campaign promised retribution and prosecution of rivals.
- His victory reflects a normalization of these authoritarian impulses.
Washington's Restraint
- George Washington, despite opportunities to consolidate power, chose to build a democracy.
- He surrounded himself with diverse experts and listened to their counsel.
