Donald Trump is amplifying his authoritarian message in the final weeks of the campaign. Kamala Harris, appealing to Americans who revere the Constitution and the rule of law, is making sure that Americans (few of whom attend Trump's rallies) understand their choice in 2024. The vice president played video clips of Trump speaking his mind at her rally Monday.
Trump expounds on "the enemy from within," people who are "more dangerous than Russia or China." He says, "These people should be put in jail ..." Regarding urban policing, he suggests, "Now if you had one really violent day ... one rough hour. And I mean real rough..." And then the former president adds, regarding his domestic political foes (after mentioning Congressman Adam Schiff by name):
I think the bigger problem are the people from within. We have some very bad people. We have some sick people, radical-left lunatics. And I think they’re the — and it should be very easily handled by — if necessary, by National Guard or, if really necessary, by the military, because they can’t let that happen.”
In the past half century, this country has had its share of demagogues, but mostly sheriffs, governors, senators -- never a president. Until Newt Gingrich and FNC emerged on the scene and the GOP began to change, neither the Republican Party, nor the Democratic Party would have tolerated an openly authoritarian president or presidential candidate. But in 2024 Republican leaders are either openly onboard with Trump's authoritarianism, they pretend not to see it, or they intone that the policy preferences of Democrats are more dangerous to the republic than Trump's lawless, reckless worldview.
Trump vs. Harris. The contrast between authoritarianism and democratic governance couldn't be more stark. In three weeks, Americans will decide which future they prefer.