As the 2020 presidential election approached, Dr. James Parker, a philosophy professor and author of Understanding Authoritarianism, discussed the alarming erosion of democracy in the U.S., attributing much of it to Donald Trump. He articulated a definition of authoritarianism that resonated deeply: “It revolves around a leader who claims to restore the nation’s greatness, often blaming perceived threats from leftists, minorities, and immigrants.” This perspective inevitably draws parallels to the emergence of Trumpism, a term that gained traction in recent years. Despite numerous scandals and revelations from insiders, Trump’s supporters remain steadfast in their loyalty, often disregarding contradictions in favor of blind allegiance.
Fast forward to late November, and Joe Biden has been declared the winner of the election, yet Trump has not accepted this outcome. Recently, he begrudgingly acknowledged the transition process initiated by the General Services Administration but insisted he would continue to “fight the good fight,” which essentially means persisting with unfounded attempts to overturn the election results.
Trump has resorted to legal strategies to maintain his grip on power, fostering distrust in the electoral process and labeling states that didn’t vote for him as fraudulent. Astonishingly, millions have embraced his unfounded claims of voter fraud, despite numerous credible news organizations and election officials debunking these assertions. Dr. Parker offered insights into this phenomenon, attributing it to typical authoritarian strategies.
“Authoritarian politics turns governance into a battleground,” Parker explained in a follow-up interview. “In this battleground, the truth becomes irrelevant; your opponent is viewed as the enemy. If the leader spreads falsehoods, it’s justified as part of the struggle. This creates a divide where only the leader can claim to save the nation, fostering an environment for unquestioning loyalty.” This dynamic explains why Trump’s followers continue to support him, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. They perceive politics as warfare, a perspective that threatens the integrity of America’s electoral system.
The groundwork for this turmoil was laid before the election when Trump refused to commit to a peaceful transition should he lose. According to Parker, this was indicative of a strategy to deny the legitimacy of the election results: “Trump had a clear plan to contest the election results if they were unfavorable, utilizing misinformation among his supporters to claim victory prematurely.” Ultimately, this strategy has led to his increasingly desperate attempts to alter the election’s outcome.
Remember the night of November 3, 2020? Many states initially reported red results due to election day ballots, only for Biden to gain ground as absentee votes were counted. Trump declared victory prematurely, leaving many Americans anxious about the prospect of his continued presidency.
Despite the absence of evidence supporting claims of widespread voter fraud, millions still believe Trump’s narrative. This issue transcends mere political disagreement; it fosters a hostile atmosphere where fellow Americans are viewed as adversaries. This is particularly alarming amidst a pandemic when unity is crucial.
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Summary
Trump’s attempts to overturn the election are reflective of authoritarian tactics, creating division and fostering distrust among Americans. This behavior not only undermines democratic principles but also places fellow citizens in opposition to one another at a time when unity is essential.