The “No Kings” rallies, organized by groups like Indivisible, saw an estimated seven million people participating nationwide, making it a record-breaking single-day protest. This movement’s success hinges on a localized approach, encouraging participation in communities rather than centralized events, which is reflected in the Harvard Kennedy School research indicating a rise in anti-Trump protests, particularly in traditionally conservative areas. A key factor for success, according to Erica Chenoweth’s research, includes nonviolent tactics, appealing to new demographics, and achieving momentum, but most importantly, a minimum of 3.5% of the population must participate. With the movement’s rapid growth in recent months, reaching this critical threshold of nearly 12 million protesters may be within reach.
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Following the weekend’s anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies, polling data reveals a significant portion of Americans share the protesters’ concerns. A recent survey shows a majority of Americans believe Trump is a potentially dangerous dictator whose power should be limited, with this sentiment nearly doubling since April. Furthermore, the survey indicates that a majority of Americans perceive Trump as waging an assault on constitutional balances. These findings suggest the core message of the “No Kings” demonstrations resonates with a considerable segment of the population, despite attempts by Republicans to marginalize them.
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Leading up to the “No Kings” rallies, organizers like Indivisible and figures such as Robert Reich and Michael Moore encouraged participation, framing the demonstrations as patriotic expressions of free speech. They rebuked criticisms from President Trump and Republican lawmakers who labeled the rallies as “anti-American.” Democratic politicians, including Rep. Pat Ryan and Sen. Chris Murphy, also voiced their support, accusing Trump and the GOP of attempting to intimidate potential demonstrators. The overarching message emphasized a defense of American ideals and a rejection of authoritarianism.
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Across the nation, millions of Americans are preparing to participate in “No Kings” rallies on October 18th, potentially becoming the largest protest in US history. These demonstrations, planned in over 2,500 communities, are a response to concerns about the perceived authoritarian actions of the Trump administration, including attacks on democratic institutions and civil liberties. Organizers highlight a broad coalition of participants, from faith leaders to veterans, who are united in their opposition to perceived overreach and the erosion of democratic norms. Despite attempts to discredit the movement, protesters emphasize their commitment to peaceful demonstrations and the exercise of First Amendment rights.
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John Q. Hosedrinker