A historian specializing in rhetoric, Jennifer Mercieca, stated on Thursday that conditions in the U.S. are ideal for fascism but stressed it’s not predetermined.
As the author of “Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump,” she believes it’s not too late to prevent the former president from becoming a dictator. Mercieca outlined several signs to watch for as we remain vigilant on “fascism watch.”
As highlighted by the expert, one significant sign is “Media intimidation and restrictions.” Autocrats often intimidate the media to prevent accountability to the rule of law.
Another indicator is the “Identification of crises or political paralysis to justify emergency measures.” Autocrats exploit or create crises, framing them as a ‘state of exception’ to seize dictatorial powers, often using ‘nothing’s been done’ as a pretext.
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Mercieca ties a third sign directly to Trump’s comments: “Attacks on minorities; scapegoating foreigners.” Autocrats try to activate Right-Wing Authoritarians through fear appeals about ‘impure’ foreigners.
They use ‘disgust’ words like ‘vermin,’ treating people as ‘hate objects’ to create a nationalistic ‘us’ versus ‘them’ climate. This behavior contributes to fostering an environment of division and hostility.
In addition to listing the signs to watch for, the historian explained their significance, emphasizing, “This is how autocrats take over governments.”
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She pointed out that signs of democratic backsliding may not be as obvious as expected. Scholars clarify that anticipating a dramatic end to American democracy, like a violent coup, involves looking for the wrong signs.
Finally, she anticipates the future: “The 2024 presidential election will be between two political figures as much as it is between democracy and autocracy.”
It will be a choice between a government upholding the democratic principle of the ‘rule of law,’ where the law is supreme and binds and protects everyone equally, and one employing the autocratic ‘rule by law’ strategy.
In the latter, the law rewards friends, punishes enemies, and consolidates power. She urges vigilance for warning signs, given the current conditions conducive to fascism.
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Dr. Jennifer Mercieca, an award-winning Professor at Texas A&M, specializes in American political discourse, citizenship, democracy, and the presidency.
She has published three books: “Founding Fictions,” “The Rhetoric of Heroic Expectations: Establishing the Obama Presidency,” and “Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump.”
In 2020, her book on Donald Trump’s rhetoric, “Demagogue for President,” received acclaim. The Washington Post praised it, saying it deserves a place alongside influential works. Reviews from Politico and Salon labeled the book a “must-read” and “highly recommended.”
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