Category: Policies

Trump’s Authoritarian Shadow Looms Over CPAC Speech

Donald Trump’s speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was a masterclass in grievance politics,laced with thinly veiled attacks on potential 2024 rivals like Ron DeSantis and punctuated by authoritarian rhetoric that has become his hallmark. While the former president extolled his own record and promised retribution against his “enemies,” the event served as a stark reminder of the concerning authoritarian streak that runs through Trump’s political persona.

One of the most striking aspects of Trump’s speech was his demonization of political opponents. He labeled them “lunatics and maniacs,” vowed their “reign is over” if he returns to the White House, and even cast himself as a vengeful “warrior” and “retribution” for those wronged. This language echoes past attacks on the media, the judiciary, and even fellow Republicans who dare to disagree with him. It’s a tactic straight out of the authoritarian playbook, aiming to dehumanize opponents and consolidate power by fostering fear and division.

Beyond the fiery rhetoric, Trump’s policy proposals also raise red flags. His call for “direct election” of school principals reeks of populist pandering, potentially undermining educational autonomy and accountability. His repeated attacks on investigations into his conduct, including the classified documents case and the Georgia election probe, smack of authoritarian attempts to silence dissent and obstruct accountability. These proposals and attacks chip away at the core principles of a healthy democracy, where checks and balances are essential to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of any one individual.

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Trump’s speech was his apocalyptic framing of the current political landscape. He repeatedly painted America as on the brink of collapse, with 2024 being the “final battle” in a zero-sum struggle against unnamed forces. This rhetoric of existential threat is a common thread in authoritarian regimes, used to justify extraordinary measures and consolidate control. It’s a dangerous path that undermines democratic norms and fosters an atmosphere of fear and paranoia.

While Trump’s CPAC speech may have resonated with his ardent base, it offered a glimpse into a future where democratic institutions are under siege and dissent is met with retribution. His authoritarian rhetoric and policy proposals are not mere talking points; they represent a real threat to American democracy and its core values. Recognizing and understanding this threat is crucial to safeguarding our republic in the years to come.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna78785

Media

https://www.c-span.org/video/?526456-1/president-trump-speaks-cpac

Trump’s Baseless Election Contest in Georgia Undermines Democracy

Donald Trump’s campaign has filed an election contest in Georgia, seeking to undermine the results of the November 3, 2020 presidential election. This legal maneuver comes despite the absence of credible evidence supporting his claims of widespread voter fraud. In a troubling display of defiance against democratic norms, Trump’s campaign alleges that tens of thousands of illegal votes were counted, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked by numerous sources.

Ray S. Smith III, the lead counsel for the Trump campaign, echoed the unfounded narrative of election irregularities, stating that the Georgia Secretary of State orchestrated an ineffective election process. This rhetoric not only seeks to delegitimize the election but also stirs public distrust in the electoral system, a dangerous precedent for American democracy.

Accompanying the lawsuit are affidavits from Georgia residents, which Trump’s team claims support their allegations. However, many of these affidavits lack the necessary scrutiny and verification required to substantiate such serious accusations. Claims of voter fraud, including those involving underage voters and individuals casting ballots from out-of-state addresses, have been thoroughly examined and dismissed by election officials.

In the face of overwhelming evidence confirming the legitimacy of the election results, Trump’s insistence on pursuing this course of action has raised alarms about his commitment to democratic principles. Instead of accepting the will of the voters, he continues to rally his supporters around baseless conspiracies that threaten to erode trust in future elections.

This latest move is part of a broader strategy by Trump and his allies to overturn a free and fair election. The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond Georgia, as it reflects a national trend among some Republicans to challenge the integrity of the electoral process. Such actions not only undermine the democratic foundation of the United States but also set a troubling precedent for future political contests.

(h/t: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/trump-campaign-press-release-trump-campaign-files-election-contest-georgia)

William Barr’s Misleading Claims on Voter Fraud Undermine Democracy

Attorney General William Barr has recently echoed the baseless claims of voter fraud and mail-in voting irregularities that have been propagated by President Donald Trump. His misleading assertions have alarmed civil rights advocates who are concerned about the potential erosion of public confidence in the electoral process. Barr’s statements, which include unfounded fears about widespread fraud and foreign interference in mail-in voting, have been thoroughly debunked by election experts. The rhetoric not only mirrors Trump’s unfounded allegations but also jeopardizes the integrity of the Justice Department’s role in protecting voting rights.

In a disconcerting interview, Barr claimed that mail-in voting would lead to the loss of a ‘secret vote’ and suggested that postal workers could be bribed to commit election fraud. This assertion is fundamentally flawed; mail-in ballots are secured through identity verification processes that prevent such misconduct. Experts have pointed out that ballots are tracked and audited to ensure their legitimacy, thus nullifying Barr’s claims of rampant fraud.

Furthermore, Barr’s suggestion that foreign entities could counterfeit mail ballots is equally unfounded. Numerous safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of American elections, including specific paper stock for ballots and signature verification processes. Experts have overwhelmingly dismissed the idea that foreign powers could easily infiltrate the voting system, emphasizing that such operations would be complex and easily detectable.

Additionally, Barr’s claim that the U.S. has not previously engaged in widespread mail voting ignores the reality that several states have successfully conducted elections primarily through mail for years without significant issues. Misleading statements about the reliability of voter rolls and the prevalence of fraud undermine the progress made in expanding voting access, particularly during a pandemic.

The damage done by Barr’s rhetoric is compounded by the fact that it aligns with disinformation campaigns previously launched by foreign adversaries aimed at destabilizing U.S. democracy. As civil rights advocates rally against these baseless claims, they stress the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral system, which is currently threatened by the Attorney General’s unfounded assertions.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1240144)

Trump’s ’12 More Years’ Rallying Cry Threatens Democracy and Normalizes Authoritarianism

Donald Trump is openly priming his supporters about circumventing the two-term limit on the presidency, rallying his supporters at a recent event in Wisconsin to chant “12 more years.” This repeated rhetoric during campaign events raises alarms about the democratic principles he is undermining. Trump’s comments prompt a cheer from his followers, reflecting a troubling trend of normalizing an authoritarian mindset within the Republican Party.

At a rally in Muskegon, Michigan, Trump transitioned from the standard “four more years” chant to suggesting his supporters embrace the unthinkable “12 more years,” an idea he found amusing. He remarked, “You really drive them crazy if you say ’12 more years,'” revealing a disturbing glee in challenging democratic norms. The crowd responded eagerly, which underscores the concerning shift in his base’s acceptance of anti-democratic sentiments and their call for a leader who disregards constitutional limitations.

Trump further speculated about remaining in power by saying, “We’ll be here for four years, and then if we decide to go for an extra four or eight or something.” This statement insinuates a casual disregard for the democratic process. Rather than affirming his commitment to respect electoral outcomes, Trump instead deflects criticism by labeling it as media exaggeration, thereby fostering a culture where loyalty to the man supersedes loyalty to democratic values.

His implicit threats to remain beyond terms add weight to a history steeped in authoritarian rhetoric. Trump has repeatedly flirted with the idea of not accepting the election results, often proclaiming that a fair election is contingent on his perspective of its honesty. His skepticism of electoral integrity feeds into a broader narrative of disinformation that defines his tenure, fueling further distrust among the electorate.

As Trump gains momentum within the Republican Party, the ramifications of his statements arm those who wish to undermine democratic principles. The normalization of fascist ideologies and rhetoric in his campaign reflects a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism, requiring vigilance from those committed to preserving democracy against such blatant assaults.

(h/t: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/10/trump-stay-in-power-term-limits-chant-12-more-years.html)

Trump Returns to White House, Downplays COVID-19 Threat

President Donald Trump was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and returned to the White House on the evening of October 5, 2020, after receiving treatment for COVID-19. Upon his arrival, he displayed a sense of optimism, pumping his fist and giving a thumbs-up to reporters, while also removing his mask. Trump’s physician confirmed that he would continue his treatment at the White House, despite the ongoing nature of his care.

In a video message posted on Twitter, Trump urged the American public not to fear the coronavirus, stating, “Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge.” This statement comes as the U.S. death toll from COVID-19 surpassed 210,000, raising concerns about the implications of his remarks amidst a public health crisis.

Trump’s medical team had previously indicated that he was given a steroid, dexamethasone, and was undergoing treatment with remdesivir. While they affirmed that he was ready to return to the White House, they did not provide specifics regarding his lung scans or when he last tested negative for the virus.

The president’s health history during his COVID-19 diagnosis has been marked by inconsistencies between official medical briefings and statements from White House officials, leading to questions about transparency. Despite his recent hospitalization, Trump expressed eagerness to resume campaigning, stating he would be back on the trail soon.

(h/t: https://www.npr.org/sections/latest-updates-trump-covid-19-results/2020/10/05/920412187/trump-says-he-will-leave-walter-reed-medical-center-monday-night)

Trump’s Dangerous Push for a Forever Presidency Threatens American Democracy

During a recent indoor rally in Henderson, Nevada, President Trump made alarming remarks indicating his desire to cling to power indefinitely. He stated, “We’re going to win four more years in the White House, and after we win four more years we’ll ask for maybe another four or so,” underscoring a dangerous notion of a potential “forever presidency.”

This rally violated state health regulations and guidelines intended to curb the spread of COVID-19, with very few attendees wearing masks despite the ongoing pandemic. Trump’s dismissal of the virus’s death toll, which has claimed the lives of nearly 200,000 Americans, highlights his irresponsible approach to leadership and public safety. Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak harshly criticized Trump for this reckless gathering, accusing him of ignoring state laws and prioritizing personal aspirations over the health of the people.

Amidst a backdrop of overwhelming disapproval from the public regarding his pandemic response, Trump attempted to redirect the narrative by creating an image of normalcy in America. This is a blatant disregard for the health risks associated with large gatherings, a tactic that prioritizes visual propaganda over genuine concern for American lives. Evidence suggests that previous indoor rallies, such as the one in Tulsa, contributed to spikes in COVID-19 cases, yet Trump continues to host events in direct contradiction to public health recommendations.

Trump seized the opportunity to launch attacks on his opponent, Joe Biden, labeling him “unfit to be president” and spinning conspiracy theories about domestic terrorism. His rhetoric has consistently aimed to divide Americans, using fear and misinformation rather than uniting the country through a sensible platform. This alarming behavior echoes a troubling trend among Republicans who seem increasingly unchallenged by institutional norms and concerned with self-interest rather than the collective good of the nation.

While attempting to woo Latino voters by touting economic progress prior to the pandemic, Trump’s history of racially charged remarks and anti-immigrant policies cannot be overlooked. His duplicity regarding race and immigration indicates a broader failure to earn trust among marginalized communities, further entrenching the GOP’s factionalism. Trump and the Republican Party’s actions pose a significant threat to the tenets of democracy, showcasing an alarming trajectory of chaos, division, and ultimately, the undermining of American values.

(h/t: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-rally-nevada-indoors-henderson-las-vegas/)

Trump’s Dangerous Desire for a Third Term Endangers Democracy

Former President Donald Trump has kicked off his 2024 campaign with incendiary rhetoric, claiming he will pursue a third term due to alleged spying on his 2016 campaign, a baseless assertion contradicted by detailed FBI reports. During a rally in Wisconsin, Trump declared, “We are going to win four more years… and then after that, we’ll go for another four years,” presenting his false narrative as justification for extending his presidency.

Despite the 22nd Amendment explicitly barring any individual from serving more than two terms as president, Trump’s comments reflect a typical defiance of democratic principles. His dismissive attitude toward constitutional limitations signals a troubling desire for autocratic governance, further undermining the democratic values of the United States.

At the same rally, Trump veered into bizarre territory, discussing the economy’s performance before the COVID-19 pandemic with absurd claims about “crummy colleges” and “dumb people.” These ramblings highlight both his lack of coherent policy discussion and a tendency to mislead his supporters, distracting them from crucial issues at hand.

Trump’s behavior is consistent with his history of exaggeration and deviation from the truth, as evidenced by his repeated claims of receiving a “Man of the Year” award in Michigan, a story that has been thoroughly debunked. Such fabrications reflect not only a disregard for factual integrity but an assault on the very trust necessary for a functioning democracy.

Moreover, Trump’s ongoing baseless claims about election rigging set a dangerous precedent, further eroding public trust in the electoral process and contributing to a culture of violence and division among his supporters. This rhetoric is part of a larger strategy utilized by Trump and the Republican Party to maintain control, often at the expense of democratic norms and the rule of law.

(h/t: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-third-term-because-they-spied-on-him-1045743/)

Donald Trump suggests delay to 2020 US presidential election

Donald Trump has suggested November’s presidential election be postponed, saying increased postal voting could lead to fraud and inaccurate results.

He floated a delay until people could “properly, securely and safely” vote.

There is little evidence to support Mr Trump’s claims but he has long railed against mail-in voting which he has said would be susceptible to fraud.

US states want to make postal voting easier due to public health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Under the US constitution, Mr Trump does not have the authority to postpone the election himself. Any delay would have to be approved by Congress. The president does not have direct power over the two houses of Congress.

What did Trump say?

In a series of tweets, Mr Trump said “universal mail-in voting” would make November’s vote the “most inaccurate and fraudulent election in history” and a “great embarrassment to the USA”.

He suggested – without providing evidence – that mail-in voting, as it is known in the US, would be susceptible to foreign interference.

“The [Democrats] talk of foreign influence in voting, but they know that Mail-In Voting is an easy way for foreign countries to enter the race,” he said.

Mr Trump also said postal voting was “already proving to be a catastrophic disaster” in areas where it was being tried out.

In June, New York allowed voters to vote by post in the Democratic primary poll for the party’s presidential candidate. But there have been long delays in counting the ballots and the results are still unknown.

US media report that there are also concerns that many ballots will not be counted because they were not filled in correctly or do not have postmarks on them that show they were sent before voting officially ended.

However, several other states have long conducted votes by post.

Donald Trump can’t delay November’s presidential election without Congress, partially controlled by the Democrats, first approving the decision. If he didn’t already know this, someone has certainly told him by now.

The president also must know that tweeting about a delay – even framed as an “I’m just asking!” question – is sure to ignite a political firestorm, particularly after he has repeatedly refused to say whether he’d accept an adverse result in the upcoming presidential election.

Mr Trump appears to be doing everything in his power to undermine the credibility of November’s vote, in which a record number of Americans are predicted to rely on mail-in voting to avoid the risk of exposure to the coronavirus. He’s repeatedly made false and misleading claims about the reliability of the mail balloting and suggested broad conspiracy theories. Critics warn that he could be laying the groundwork for contesting the results – although the purpose may be simply to give him a scapegoat if he loses.

His tweet could also be an attempt to divert attention away from the truly dismal second-quarter economic numbers just released. He’s been relying on a financial turnaround to breathe life into his re-election campaign, and instead the outlook appears exceedingly gloomy.

Whatever the reason, tweeting about an election delay is not the move of a candidate confident of victory – and could be a sign of more desperate moves to come.

[BBC]

Trump Pushes Fake COVID Cure From Fringe Doctors, Banned by Facebook

President Donald Trump exhibited his new serious tone toward the coronavirus crisis on Monday night, sharing a viral video of fringe doctors touting the controversial anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as “a cure for COVID.”

The video, which also featured the doctors dismissing mask-wearing, was eventually taken down by Facebook for “sharing false information” about the virus, after racking up millions of views in a matter of hours. Several right-wing outlets and personalities, however, continued to promote the clip of the doctors’ press conference on Twitter, eventually reaching the president’s timeline.

Besides retweeting the clip several times, Trump—who recently said his retweets tend to get him “in trouble”—went on to share several other posts promoting hydroxychloroquine, which the FDA has rescinded for emergency use for the virus.

Numerous studies and clinical trials have found that the drug has shown no real benefit in treating coronavirus patients. Experts also have warned of potentially deadly side effects. 

Trump then shared a tweet directly from Dr. Stella Immanuel, one of the physicians who took part in the press conference. Immanuel is also a preacher who once wrote a book claiming that there is a Satanic plot to take over the world and recently challenged CNN anchors and top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci to provide her with urine samples. (The video tweeted by Immanuel, along with several others the president shared, were later taken down.)

She also didn’t take kindly to Facebook removing the video of her saying masks don’t work and that hydroxychloroquine is a magic cure for the virus.

“Hello Facebook put back my profile page and videos up or your computers with start crashing till you do,” she tweeted late Monday night. “You are not bigger that God. I promise you. If my page is not back up face book will be down in Jesus name.”

The president also shared tweets attacking Fauci on Monday night, despite insisting recently that he had a “very good relationship” with the doctor after White House officials publicly blasted him.

At least one of the accounts the president retweeted on Monday night was from a follower of QAnon, the conspiracy theory that alleges a “deep state” cabal of pedophiles is plotting against Trump.

[The Daily Beast]

Trump Promotes Video Undermining Fauci Which Facebook, YouTube and Twitter Remove for ‘False Information’

President Donald Trump appears to have complicated feelings for Dr. Anthony Fauci While the commander in chief has publicly said that he has a good relationship with the nation’s top immunologist, his Twitter feed tells a different story.

In a flurry of curious Tweets and retweets late Monday night, Trump’s retweeted a podcast promotion that featured Fauci-critic Dr. Lee Vliet which is sure to cause drama at the next White House Coronavirus Task Force meeting (at least one that both Trump and Fauci will attend.)

The tweet originated from a Twitter account called WarRoomPandemic, and claimed: “Dr. Fauci has misled the American people on many issues, but particular, on dismissing #hydroxychloroquine and calling Remdesivir the new gold standard.” A screengrab of that tweet was shared by CNN’s Manu Raju below:

The tweet led to a Breitbart-hosted video that some might call scientifically questionable observations that promoted the still-unproven hydroxychloroquine and questioned the benefits of mask-wearing.  The video was also shared by Donald Trump Jr., was eventually removed by Facebook for pushing “false information about cures and treatments for COVID-19.” YouTube and Twitter also pulled the video.

But it was another undermining tweet of Dr.Fauci that will restart a media conversation about their relationship.

This is not the first time that Trump has promoted criticism of Dr. Fauci.  The deteriorating state of the relationship between Trump and Fauci drew new intrigue in early April after Trump went on a Twitter binge and retweeted a post bearing the hashtag #FireFauci. This happened after Fauci gave an interview to CNN and said “obviously” more lives would have been saved if the federal government adopted coronavirus counterstrategies earlier.

Fauci’s approval rating for his role in fighting the coronavirus has been significantly higher than that of Trump’s. In a national poll of 1,337 registered voters conducted by The New York Times and Siena College in mid-June, 76% of respondents said they trusted Fauci for “accurate information” about the COVID-19 pandemic compared with just 26% who said they trusted Trump. This has led to multiple reports of the president feeling some animus towards Dr. Fauci, which may be the reason for Monday’s night’s undermining tweet.

[Mediaite]

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