Economics & Beyond with Rob Johnson

Lincoln Mitchell: Fear and Fascism: How America Reached a Political Breaking Point

Nov 14, 2024
Lincoln Mitchell, a Political Science Professor at Columbia University, dives into the corrosive rise of fascism in the U.S. He discusses the MAGA movement's strongman leadership and scapegoating of minorities. Mitchell critiques media normalization of extremist rhetoric and emphasizes economic factors influencing voter behavior. The conversation also touches on the importance of rebuilding democratic norms and the challenges of confronting authoritarianism, while advocating for hope and proactive engagement to combat these trends.
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INSIGHT

White Women and Voting Patterns

  • Many white women voted for Trump despite pro-choice views, showing racial identity influences over gender identity.
  • Political divisions cut across expected lines, complicating traditional voting assumptions.
ADVICE

Defend Democracy Strategically

  • Organize to halt fascist policies like mass detention and media harassment using all institutions like labor and faith groups.
  • Focus on protecting free and fair elections in 2026 and 2028 as a priority over other electoral concerns.
INSIGHT

Fear's Dual Role in Politics

  • Fear drives both supporters and opponents of fascism, either motivating them or paralyzing action.
  • Democracy requires overcoming fear and embracing hope collectively for survival.
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