The Rise of Extremism and Authoritarianism in the 2024 Election with Ron Brownstein and Warren Olney
NNovember 11, 2024 | Ron Brownstein with Warren Olney | 2024 Election Post-Mortem: Where Do We Go From Here? – Summary Prepared by JUDJ Team
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Ron Brownstein, senior editor at The Atlantic and a respected political analyst for CNN, shared his insights on the role of extremism and authoritarianism in the 2024 presidential election. With years of experience covering American politics, Brownstein explored how former President Trump’s polarizing rhetoric and increasingly authoritarian agenda influenced voters and the country’s political landscape. Brownstein’s analysis offers a closer look at how voters navigated this new terrain and the broader implications of the election for American democracy.
Extremism and Authoritarianism: Central Themes in the 2024 Election
In the discussion, Brownstein emphasized that Trump’s rhetoric in 2024 was markedly more extreme than in previous campaigns. Campaign promises like “mass deportation” and his remarks on curtailing civil liberties revealed a heightened authoritarian streak. Brownstein noted that these proposals not only signaled Trump’s disregard for democratic norms but also fueled the fears of many Americans about his potential impact on civil liberties and the rule of law.
Yet, despite widespread concerns over Trump’s extreme stances, Brownstein explained that a significant portion of voters remained focused on economic issues, choosing to overlook authoritarian risks in favor of promises of economic relief. Many voters discounted Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric as campaign bluster, prioritizing their immediate financial struggles over fears of a potential shift toward autocracy.
A Fragmented Media Landscape and the Normalization of Extremism
Brownstein also addressed the role of the media in shaping voter perceptions, noting a striking shift in media dynamics since Trump’s first election in 2016. With the rise of social media and the decline of traditional news outlets, voters increasingly consume information in echo chambers tailored to their biases. Brownstein argued that this media fragmentation contributed to the normalization of Trump’s extreme stances. As traditional media struggled to convey the gravity of Trump’s rhetoric, alternative outlets and social media often downplayed or ignored these authoritarian cues, framing Trump’s promises as typical campaign talk.
This fragmented media environment, Brownstein suggested, may have contributed to the alarming disconnect between Trump’s authoritarian proposals and the public’s reaction. According to Brownstein, voters who relied heavily on social media were overwhelmingly pro-Trump, a dynamic reinforced by the proliferation of disinformation on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. This media trend, he argued, presents a long-term challenge for Democrats, who must grapple with how to reach voters who operate outside traditional news ecosystems.
Extremist Policies with Real Implications
Brownstein highlighted some of Trump’s most extreme policy promises and the potential consequences for the nation. For example, Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan was not merely rhetoric; Brownstein emphasized that Trump’s appointees, including former immigration officials, are prepared to execute these measures aggressively. Such policies would likely have a profound impact on civil liberties, with large-scale deportations affecting millions of individuals and reshaping American communities.
Further, Brownstein noted Trump’s intentions to implement controversial law enforcement measures, such as a nationwide mandate for “stop and frisk.” Brownstein raised concerns that this approach, widely criticized for its racial bias and civil rights implications, could strain relations between communities and law enforcement. For many Americans who supported Trump on economic grounds, these policy implementations could become a stark reality that tests their tolerance for his authoritarian approach.
Future Implications for American Democracy
In reflecting on the 2024 election, Brownstein warned that American democracy faces new and daunting challenges as authoritarian rhetoric becomes increasingly mainstream. As Trump’s policies and appointments take shape, Brownstein argued, the country may witness an erosion of democratic norms and an increase in government overreach. For the Democratic Party, this situation underscores the urgency of crafting a strategy that resonates with voters while emphasizing the importance of democratic principles.
Ultimately, Brownstein suggested that the future of American democracy may hinge on how effectively voters recognize and respond to these risks. With the potential rollback of civil liberties, shifts in law enforcement practices, and challenges to the free press, the American political landscape is likely to remain polarized. The 2024 election, he concluded, should serve as a wake-up call to all Americans about the importance of protecting democratic values in an era of political extremism.
As the nation moves forward, the question remains: will voters prioritize the preservation of democracy, or will authoritarian tendencies continue to gain ground? For Brownstein, the answer lies in America’s commitment to its democratic foundations and the willingness of its citizens to push back against extremism.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.