Article Summary:
In this opinion piece from The Guardian, Timothy Garton Ash argues that American democrats have a critical 400-day window to save US democracy, with the upcoming midterm elections being crucial to constraining potential authoritarian trends under Donald Trump’s influence.
Drawing from seven weeks of observations in the US, the author highlights several alarming trends threatening democratic norms: excessive executive power, gerrymandering, endemic violence, and the exploitative nature of capitalist competition. He notes that once liberal democracies are eroded, restoration becomes extremely challenging.
The key concerns include:
– An expansive interpretation of presidential powers
– State legislatures’ ability to manipulate electoral boundaries
– Increasing political violence
– Institutional failures to collectively resist democratic backsliding
The author emphasizes that the Democrats must regain control of Congress not for their policies, but to reinstate democratic checks and balances. The midterm elections represent a critical opportunity to interrupt Trump’s potential authoritarian trajectory.
Economic factors will likely play a decisive role. The Democrats must effectively communicate the economic consequences of Trump’s policies to voters, focusing on “kitchen-table issues” rather than abstract democratic principles or cultural debates.
While acknowledging the serious threats to US democracy, the author maintains a pragmatic perspective, suggesting that the primary goal is to win the next election. The immediate challenge is to ensure the midterm elections are as free and fair as possible, with Democrats working to overcome potential voter suppression and intimidation tactics.
The overarching message is that democratic preservation requires strategic, focused action within a limited timeframe.