In the wake of No Kings Day, we’ve seen a number of columns and news reports estimating turnout (current count: five million nationally) and comparing the enthusiasm of the protests with Trump’s lackluster and sparsely-attended parade in Washington. Many of those articles were interesting and even illuminating; one of the best–as usual–came from Paul Krugman, who took time off from his usual economic analyses to reflect upon the impact of such mass peaceful protests.
Krugman began with an important–and mostly ignored–observation: America is currently experiencing what scholars call “competitive authoritarianism.” Competitive authoritarian regimes are those in which formal democratic institutions are retained–elections continue to be held, for example, and other “democratic rules” are given lip service–but Incumbents violate the rules so often and to such an extent that the regime fails to meet the minimum standards for democracy.
Krugman says we’re not there yet, but that we are “teetering on the edge.” He also claims that “one of the most important ways we can step back from that edge is for ordinary Americans to engage in mass protests.”
Why should that matter? Why does the contrast between the poor turnout for Trump’s underwhelming exercise (what Krugman labeled as a “box office bust”) and the enormous, enthusiastic participation in the No Kings protests matter?
It matters, as he explains, “because competitive authoritarianism rests largely on self-fulfilling expectations.”
While there is a cadre of Trumpist true believers who will obey the Leader under any circumstances, most of those doing the dirty work of undermining democracy and the rule of law are cowards and opportunists. They’re willing to participate in the destruction of America as we know it because they believe that many others will do the same. As a result, they believe that they are unlikely to face any personal consequences for their actions and may even be rewarded for their lawbreaking.
And what of those who oppose Trumpism? While there are heroes willing to take a stand against tyranny whatever the personal cost, most anti-Trumpists are reluctant to stick their necks out unless they believe that they are part of a widespread resistance that will grant them some measure of safety in numbers.
In other words, the victory or defeat of competitive authoritarianism will depend to a large extent on which side ordinary people believe will win. If Trump looks unstoppable, resistance will wither away and democracy will be lost. On the other hand, if he appears weak and stymied, resistance will grow and — just maybe — American democracy will survive.
Those of us who have been politically active will recognize the parallel to election campaigns, where momentum or an aura of inevitability sways less-informed voters to the probable winner’s side. (This is a truism that annoys the hell out of those of us who would love to believe that citizens vote after careful consideration of the policy positions of the contending candidates; unfortunately, in the real world, the desire to back a probable winner vastly exceeds such idealized behavior…)
So what we saw on Saturday was more than just the juxtaposition of a poorly attended parade that was supposed to glorify the Leader against massive, enthusiastic protests. We also saw a body blow to Trump’s image of invincibility and a demonstration that millions of Americans are willing to stand up for democracy.
It isn’t just the optics of five million plus citizens turning out in protest; as Krugman reminds readers, the resistance is gathering steam. He cites the “remarkable comeuppance” of the major law firms that bent their knee to Trump’s threats and are now seeing partners and major clients depart for firms that refused to be cowed, and the growing resistance to ICE’s lawless roundups of immigrants (including people who “look like” immigrants).
This isn’t the end of the assault on American democracy. It isn’t even the beginning of the end. But it may well be the end of the beginning. Trump spent his first 6 months in office trying to steamroller over all opposition, creating the impression that resistance is futile. Clearly, he hasn’t succeeded. On the contrary, resistance is stiffening, and those who preemptively capitulated seem to be paying a higher price than those who showed some backbone.
Although the tide may be turning, MAGA isn’t simply going to roll over and slink away. On the contrary, the administration’s power grabs will become even more aggressive and desperate, with growing efforts to intimidate, prosecute and even physically harm political opponents, as well as widespread efforts to suppress dissent with force.
Nonetheless, despite the difficult times ahead, America has just passed an important test. May freedom ring.
This perspective gives me a sliver of hope. I was at the protest and wished it had been bigger, but it wasn’t small! This is a spectacular summary and warning to share with friends, family who are blinding themselves. https://substack.com/@democraticwarrior/note/c-127366954?r=didp
Lackies, sycophants, and acolytes, will flock to a source of perceived power. Because that’s what they crave for themselves. Recognition, a mention in the history books, they’re looking for some sort of lasting remembrance. And the ill gotten gains isn’t bad either. Jobs, rewards, position, some sort of appointed authority, Christy Nome is a fine example of that. And, let’s not forget Tulsi Gabbard as another example. Both being a symbol of useful idiots for the idiots.
You are never going to stop those who are notorious Boot licking lackey’s, except if they think they’re going to pay a price for their boot licking. And that’s the people massively protesting against the current power arc of nazi-esque allegiance. Elon Musk is a prime example of that. He’s realizing that his dabbling and rigid support of the current power arc, is costing him quite a bit, not just in pocket, but in reputation.
All of the things that were promised during the election have not been delivered. Actually none of it. Gasoline prices are going to go through the roof, groceries are becoming scarce, the heat waves are destroying burgeoning crops, Plus there’s no one to pick them, do you think things are going to smooth out when the times get even harder than they are now? I would say the protesting is going to be much more intense. And that will give the POTUS a greater opportunity but maybe a little pause to declare a national emergency.
How long will it take the Boot licking lackies to abandon ship? The Nazi and chief doesn’t have any power without cooperation. So when will the cooperation cease? We know our history, and in Germany, their Nazi leader plunged the world into war. And he still never reached his goal, except a bullet in the head in a bunker. Or maybe it was poison! Afraid to face the music, authoritarian cowards prefer the cowardly way out.
And there is a much larger issue a foot. The meddling of Evangelical religion in secular politics. And the willingness for secular authorities to go along. This is definitely a crime, but, can be partially rectified by removing tax-exempt status, which will definitely start to drain coffers. Actually removing tax exempt status for political contributions would make a difference also. Those gigantic war chests taxed at 50% would go a long way towards plugging some holes for the average person. And those taxes should be earmarked for social programs.
Based on the videos I’ve seen from the large cities, I’d say 5 million is too low. The first estimates were 12-15 million active participants, which is pretty impressive for pampered Americans. I know that in our small town, the protest was held along the road, and there were many supporters driving by.
As for competition, did anyone notice how quickly the wealthiest man on the planet cowered to Trump? They both acted like a teenage breakup for several days, and then Musk capitulated and is trying to clean up his image, tainted by active drug use. His rockets seem to be experiencing consequences. 😉
As for the King of the Show, he presented himself as one King, but has undoubtedly given us a completely different King. He pretended to stand up against Bibi and even kicked him to the curb, but one call from Miriam Adelson changed his tactics. Trump blew up the G7 meeting, and the excuse is Iran, but Trump didn’t physically need to be at the Capitol.
Without the $284 million bundle now missing from the Republican Party, Trump is looking for a new pimp. I think Miriam Adelson and AIPAC have stepped up to be Kingmakers. 😉
What informs the arrogance of authoritarianism? What do people who feel entitled to ruin the lives of so many others eat for breakfast that makes them see their world as above the world of so many others?
Those are profoundly perplexing questions to those who have some curiosity.
Would their brains appear different from the brains of people who get up and go to work every day, sit in traffic, and coach Little League and mow their lawns?
They must see the world through some contrasting dye, like doctors use.
I wonder about these things because, despite all the words that have been written about our places and times, there is a significant gap in my understanding of how people work that creates such an anomaly.
I don’t see whatever it is around me in my day-to-day.
Um, 13.5 million… officially. 🙂
This ending part of Krugman’s essay strikes all the right notes:
Although the tide may be turning, MAGA isn’t simply going to roll over and slink away. On the contrary, the administration’s power grabs will become even more aggressive and desperate, with growing efforts to intimidate, prosecute and even physically harm political opponents, as well as widespread efforts to suppress dissent with force.”
Yes, Trump’s goon squads have received “permission” to wreak havoc on Democrats. Is it true that Trump ordered VA doctors not to treat Democrats?
As I mentioned before the MAGA types have always been with us. Trump has given permission and honor to the worst of us and now they’re out of the closet and proud to be raging assholes without a clue. Listening to Trump try to speak confirms that last phrase. He is them and they are him.
Watch for the next national emergency near you. The MAGA managers are trying to normalize uniformed goons in the streets with automatic weapons at the ready. When they start shooting them at unarmed citizens will be the key to overthrowing Trumpism forever … I hope. I hope that it doesn’t have to take murder in our streets to bring about the final solution, but when he bans elections, who knows what will emerge.
Todd, Trump did not blow up the G-7 meeting; he walked out most likely because he was not getting the constant attention he wanted. He arrived at the gathering just off his humiliating military parade and the massive protests over the weekend. He needed to create a big distraction and get back the constant attention he needs to continue his dominance of the news.
Up there in Canada he was just another world leader among many who were there to talk economics, a subject he only knows about from the grifter point of view. How better to get attention than to threaten war?
Meanwhile, the remaining six world leaders met, discussed and planned for their own economies out of the limelight of news reporters who fell yet again for the Trump tactics of distraction.
Thinking of California, who Vance is coming to visit. To look at Federal properties to sell
& visit the military. (Actual reason) TO STIR UP / CAUSE PROBLEMS.
Opinion, protests should stay away from Fed buildings & anywhere Vance is.
Go stand by CA state buildings. Can’t stir the pot if he is IGNORED.
any thoughts?
Like Vernon above, I was caught by the concluding paragraph about the MAGA not rolling over easily. An animal is most dangerous when cornered or wounded, and the analogy holds here. When a group is threatened with losing their power they will become desperate to hold on to that power (C. Wright Mills). As our society falls apart I expect more violence.
I am also reminded of the principles that Timothy Snyder writes about in “On Tyranny”, especially the first one (Do Not Obey In Advance), and #20 (Be As Courageous As You Can: if none of us are prepared to die for freedom we will die under tyranny).
from the ditches, where im working. Magats are the majority here in NoDak. no mind,no cause,no future. the basic conversation is too explosive now. and trump can do no wrong. theres little here from locals,(Locos) that make sense,but i find the majority have never left home in their entire lives. stagnate and stale, same ol sense of home town over country. the newbys from elsehwre,many in minority,are tight lipped. Im wearing my Bernie for prez,2016 hat when not working. im looking for conversation with the minorities. the recent ones are already quiet and keep to themselves.seems where they are from has already taught then to be silent. news from the land of icegoons have made their lives on edge. though we dont see it, the white goon magots are well armed. the Morton Co sheriff ,(Aka,water rights deniers squad)are we equiped with new everything via their police private fund derived by oil and gas. the native American side is erriely quiet.
from news around over the past 6 months ive come across the a basis for some concern. overall i find with the courts and fight backs,the take over of calif law enforcement on the ground by U.S. armed troops, the arguments and the media slants,over need to know info, cabinet picks in the shining, and the armed forces cos play mouthpiece. overall, trumps romper room is getting to unleash something. dont expect to vote again..
I believe there is another on July 4th.
A glimmer go hope, indeed.
Orang ogre needs the spotlight. Orange ogre would probably have looked even more the fool, had he stayed at G7.
After the election I researched resistance and the single most effective tactic is organized, mass peaceful resistance. Preferably peaceful resistance that hits the oppressors economically.
Like the march to the sea to make salt under Ghandi, overcoming high prices for salt imposed by the British.
The Peace Institute, dismantled by the DOGE et al, had similar conclusions. The timing is important though.
This effort has captured the right moment, and I hope builds momentum. We have seen that no matter how many National Guardsmen and Marines are deployed, they cannot cover 450 protests across the country.
Our small town of 10,000 people had nearly a thousand turnout. And we will come out again!
the land grab. ever been to the large parks? or how about the little ones tucked away that are easily used by people who cant afford the great getaway? Ive been in or thru hundreds of state and U.S.parks. truckin has its rewards. ive woke up in the most expansive places,kicked open the sleeper door to see where i parked last night. many times i drop my trailer and just wandered thru remote and well paved roads to places even post cards cant relate. fresh air, clean places, trails that are easy,some with warnings. fish, watch,dive. water clean enough that you can see if that penny is heads or tails under 8 feet of water. gettin naked is a must when the water is 50 degrees and no one is watching,(and who cares if they do). back when i got photos of montana and idaho from real estate companies with fold out brochures about the land easements,what is expected and how much. much of that grandure was bought up by the likes of the rich, when they tire of it and jack up the price more, they sell it to thier litter of rich asswipes who lock out the locals. now the rich and morbid of mind want to take again.
weve lost most of our safety nets, tariff taxed,shareholder greedflation,and now armed law enforcement on a national scale. demands now for use of your social media to decide who you are precieved to be,the ransacking of our SSN stuff,openAI, now will elon decid to make a buck off it selling it all back to the trump goverment. the rich are too powerful. and they want everything. no matter how they get it. wait til they crypto everything by demand. shut off your ATM< then you can just die. reality sucks eh?
Theresa:”
read the Canadian new, infrastructure bill, yea, we could have that too.
My understanding is that the next protest is scheduled for mid July. It’s not easy to organize a nationwide peaceful protest. I plan to be there again. I would love to see a bigger turnout than the last one, but it’s liable to be even hotter, so it will take a lot of energy to be there. I guess we’ll find out just how tough we old people are.
As gratifying as it is that the, “Los Angeles riots,” weren’t riots at all, I will say once again that those who tune into FAUX NEWS or any of the other right-wing news outlets believe that the lawless crowds were burning all of LA. What I saw on FAUX NEWS was a four panel shot of the three Way-gos and the one dumpster that were set afire. That image was a full time shot. That image together with the hyper voices of the commentators made it seem as if the world were burning.
What that type of propaganda does to our national discourse is disturbing. You can’t convince people who believe that they saw the carnage with their own eyes that they are being played. It’s insidious, but it’s also effective. God help us!
Laurel,
You betcha – “peaceful resistance that hits the oppressors economically” . 220M Americans have Amazon Prime membership, 80% of American families. What if a material per cent cancelled saying that Bezos is too much a supporter of MAGA? Don’t hold your breath….Amazingon is just too convenient to drop it for democracy. Consumerism and consumption rule our culture, overriding all.