By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Brazilian experience reflects a common pattern where leaders face legal consequences for offenses, a stark contrast to the U.S. system. In the United States, the slow prosecution of Trump for election interference, coupled with Republican obstruction and a desire to avoid political division, allowed him to run for president again and potentially escape accountability. Furthermore, the hesitation of Democratic leadership and the media to aggressively pursue charges against Trump, driven by a desire for bipartisanship, inadvertently weakened the defense of democratic principles. This approach failed to recognize that prosecuting Trump was not about punishing political enemies but about safeguarding democracy itself.
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The question of why the United States seemingly failed to prevent its own version of a right-wing populist leader, while countries like Brazil successfully curtailed theirs, is a complex one. It’s a thought experiment that exposes some uncomfortable truths about the American political landscape. It really boils down to a unique blend of factors, a perfect storm of historical circumstances, political maneuvering, and societal divisions, making the US a kind of outlier in this particular arena.
One of the main reasons is the pervasive influence of money in American politics. The Citizens United Supreme Court case unleashed a flood of dark money, creating a deeply corrupting environment where special interests and wealthy individuals wield immense power. This wealth fuels right-wing media empires, think tanks, and lobbying groups that push a specific agenda, often at odds with democratic principles. This massive right-wing media machine has been incredibly effective at shaping public opinion, fostering an environment where truth is often subjective and misinformation thrives.
Then there’s the issue of freedom, or rather, the American interpretation of it. There’s a deeply ingrained belief in individual liberty, often prioritized over the collective good. This can lead to a reluctance to impose limits, even when those limits are necessary to protect democracy itself. This mindset, combined with widespread ignorance and the radicalization of certain demographics, created fertile ground for a leader who thrives on chaos and division.
The Republican Party’s embrace of this leader is another critical factor. Once a dying party, the GOP saw in this leader a vehicle for holding onto power, even if it meant sacrificing long-held principles. They closed ranks, even as evidence of wrongdoing piled up. This unwavering loyalty, fueled by a desire to maintain control, prevented any meaningful checks on the leader’s actions. Furthermore, moderate Democrats and much of the Congress misread the situation, wrongly believing that bipartisanship was the best path forward.
Another major factor is the weakness of the institutions meant to hold power accountable. The Justice Department, led by a perceived “pussy” in the form of the Attorney General, was slow to act and, in some instances, appeared to give the leader preferential treatment. The judiciary, too, played a role, with judges making decisions that seemed to prioritize political considerations over justice. These failures of the legal system allowed the leader’s actions to go unchecked for far too long, emboldening them to push the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
Looking at the populace, a significant portion of Americans are in the grip of corporate-brainwashing, and are essentially apathetic and soulless ghouls. The right-wing think tanks have been masterful at convincing the public that 2+2=5. This suggests a significant lack of critical thinking skills and an easy susceptibility to disinformation. This massive stupidity has been a perfect target for fascist manipulation.
The Electoral system is another major factor. The complexities and potential for manipulation in the electoral process have also played a role in perpetuating this situation. Coupled with the 2016 election’s outcomes and campaign strategies it created a storm of problems.
In contrast, Brazil took a different path. Its institutions showed a spine and were willing to stand up for democratic values. Brazil’s Supreme Court has more power, and they were willing to confront this leader. Unlike the US, where there has never been accountability for a president, Brazil took righteous action.
The United States, however, has never truly held a president accountable in modern times, this shows a deep lack of respect for democratic systems. The right cares more about power than anything else, regardless of the costs. Biden’s mistake was not putting the full force of the law behind their arrest and conviction.
In conclusion, the failure to stop this leader in the United States is not the fault of one single factor. It’s a combination of money in politics, the nature of freedom, a deeply divided society, weak institutions, and a Republican Party that prioritized power over principles. The American failure is a tragedy in the modern era. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile democracy can be.