Just prior to the November 2020 presidential election, Dr. Alan Rivers, a philosophy professor at a prominent university and author of “Understanding Fascism,” appeared on a national radio program, discussing the erosion of democracy in the U.S., particularly under Donald Trump’s influence. He articulated a definition of fascism that struck a chord with me: “a leader-centric movement promising national revival, often blaming enemies such as communists, minorities, and immigrants for the nation’s perceived decline.” This description eerily aligns with the rise of Trumpism, a concept that gained traction just a few years earlier.
Despite various scandals and revealing accounts from former allies, Trump’s supporters appear unwavering, seemingly oblivious to the critiques. As I listened to Dr. Rivers, I felt a wave of dread about the prospect of Trumpism persisting for another four years.
Fast forward to late November, and Joe Biden has emerged victorious in the election, yet Trump continues to reject this reality. Although he reluctantly acknowledged the initiation of the transition process, he assured his followers via Twitter that he would persist in “fighting the good fight,” a euphemism for his futile attempts to alter the election results.
Trump’s strategy has involved casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral process, labeling every state that didn’t support him as fraudulent. Astonishingly, millions are willing to accept these unfounded claims. I struggle to comprehend how so many can embrace Trump’s assertions of voter fraud when numerous reputable news organizations and state election officials have refuted them. Dr. Rivers offered an insightful explanation, attributing this phenomenon to Trump’s fascist-inspired tactics.
“Fascist politics turns politics into a war zone,” he explained in a later interview. “In such a battleground, the truth becomes irrelevant. If your leader spreads falsehoods, it’s acceptable because he’s fighting for your side. The media becomes the enemy, part of a conspiracy to undermine the nation, while the leader positions himself as the sole savior.” This dynamic fosters a dangerous blind faith among Trump’s followers, leading them to ignore the facts and cling to their beliefs.
This mindset is why, despite Trump’s fabrications, bizarre late-night tweets, and questionable legal tactics, his supporters remain steadfast. They display Trump flags proudly and now view the election as a sham. This militaristic view of politics is detrimental to America’s legacy of fair elections.
Before the election, Trump notoriously refused to commit to a peaceful transition of power, laying the groundwork for potential disputes. As Dr. Rivers pointed out, this was a calculated move associated with fascist behavior. “Trump had a clear agenda to dispute the election results long before they were announced,” he noted. “His plan involved leveraging COVID denialism to gain a lead on Election Day, prematurely declaring victory, and then employing the very tactics we are witnessing now.” Ultimately, this strategy has failed, leading to Trump’s desperate attempts to overturn the election.
Reflecting on election night, November 3, 2020, many states initially reported red results before ultimately turning blue due to absentee ballots. Trump declared victory that night, even with millions of votes still uncounted. Like many Americans, I went to bed anxious about the possibility of another four years under his rule.
Now, Trump continues to refuse to concede, persistently challenging election results without credible evidence. What troubles me most is that, despite the consensus among major news organizations and state governments confirming there’s no evidence of fraud, millions still buy into Trump’s baseless claims. He has reframed the election narrative as a conflict, where fellow Americans are viewed as enemies rather than compatriots. This is particularly dangerous during a pandemic when unity is desperately needed.
This article originally appeared on November 24, 2020.
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Summary:
Dr. Alan Rivers’ insights into the rise of Trumpism reveal parallels to fascist tactics, particularly in how Trump has framed the electoral process as a battleground. Despite Joe Biden’s electoral victory, Trump’s refusal to concede and his baseless claims of fraud have deepened divisions among Americans, creating a climate of distrust and hostility that undermines the democratic process.