By John Q. Hosedrinker Kamala Harris’s recent town hall on CNN was a momentous occasion that shed light on a pressing issue: the label of fascism as it pertains to Donald Trump. When she unequivocally stated, “Yes, I do think Trump is a fascist,” I felt a surge of validation rush through me. Here was a high-ranking official boldly calling out the authoritarian tendencies that have pervaded Trump’s rhetoric and actions. In a political climate where the word “fascist” is often tossed around carelessly, Harris’s commitment to unpacking this term felt crucial and timely.
Trump’s comments regarding his opponents as the “enemy from within” were striking. It was as if he was wielding a playbook that echoes the rhetoric from some of history’s darkest chapters. What struck me most was the normalization of militaristic language aimed at fellow citizens. Suggesting that military intervention could be necessary against those he deems dissenters is not merely hyperbole; it’s a litmus test for authoritarianism. This is not just a matter of political posturing—this is a dangerous ideology that undermines the very fabric of democratic values.
I recognize the chilling effectiveness of Trump’s tactics. Labeling opposition as “sick” or “radical left lunatics” is reminiscent of historical precedents where dictators worked to dehumanize and vilify opponents. Harris reminded us that this isn’t just rhetoric; these words have the potential to incite violence and deepen the societal divide. These misogynistic and xenophobic undercurrents are not isolated incidents; they form a coherent pattern that cannot be ignored.
Many of Trump’s supporters seem to inhabit an alternate reality, one in which defining fascism requires a deep dive into WWII textbooks that they are loath to engage with. The misconception that fascism can only exist in the guise of a Hitler-like figure is dangerously naïve. Fascism thrives in many forms and can infiltrate societies in ways that are subtle yet profound. I often think of my upbringing, steeped in history lessons about the past. My father’s words resonate with me: “People think it can’t happen here. It can absolutely happen here.” He spoke from a perspective of hard-earned wisdom, which serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibilities as citizens.
Harris’s criticism of Trump not only encapsulated the urgency needed to counter his authoritarian stance but also echoed sentiments that are often overlooked in mainstream discussions. The media’s tendency to portray criticisms of Trump as polarizing, while simultaneously placing Harris’s comments under a microscope, reflects a broader issue—an insidious attempt to cast both sides as problematic, adhering to a false equivalency. This is not only disingenuous; it’s irresponsible. It dilutes the gravity of the threat posed by Trump, one that Harris bravely sought to highlight.
The military and law enforcement have often been harbingers of unchecked power in authoritarian regimes. By advocating for a militarized approach to dissent, Trump mirrors not just a tendency towards fascism but also a disassembling of the very principles of democracy. Harris invoked the words of John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, who pointedly remarked on Trump’s dictatorial inclinations. The sheer fact that an individual with such close proximity to Trump is sounding the alarm is enough to warrant our attention and caution. If this doesn’t stir citizens to scrutinize and question the implications of Trump’s actions, I ponder what will.
This election is not merely a contest between two candidates; it is a decisive battle for the soul of our democracy. For those who are still undecided—how can there be ambiguity? How can one stand at a crossroads when the path of one candidate leads towards a dismantling of democratic values? I find it disheartening that the discomfort around acknowledging Trump as a fascist seems to cloud the judgment of many. The defining qualities of fascism are manifest in his behavior and his followers’ fervor.
We cannot afford to be complacent. As Harris reminded us, we must be vigilant against the creeping normalization of anti-democratic practices. The voices that support Trump and his ideology are not just a fringe minority; they threaten the future of our democracy. I implore my fellow citizens to engage, educate themselves, and participate actively before it truly is too late. We are the caretakers of our democracy, and we must not shy away from boldly confronting the forces that seek to erode it. Each vote in this upcoming election carries the weight of not just our individual futures, but the collective future of America itself. The stakes could not be higher, and it is essential that we answer the call.