By Michael Kelman Portney

Abstract:

The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 marks a tipping point in American politics, where unchecked power and authoritarian tactics threaten the foundations of democracy. This paper argues that Democrats must adopt a "just do it" mentality and a controlled, purposeful authoritarian stance—one designed not to undermine democracy, but to preserve it. These measures are a response to the authoritarian shift in the Republican Party, a "fighting fire with fire" approach intended to safeguard democratic institutions and hold accountable those who have sought to dismantle them. In this framework, authoritarianism serves as a tool for strengthening democracy rather than compromising it, ensuring a resilient future for democratic governance.

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Introduction: Trump’s 2024 Victory and the Republican Authoritarian Shift

Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election represents not just a continuation but an escalation of authoritarian tactics within the Republican Party. Over recent years, the GOP has redefined the political landscape by prioritizing power, often at the expense of democratic principles, through gerrymandering, voter suppression, disinformation, and judicial manipulation. This authoritarian turn has reshaped the political rules of engagement, demanding a new response from Democrats.

In this zero-sum environment, Democrats can no longer afford to rely solely on traditional civility or gradual reforms. To counter the authoritarian approach of the GOP, Democrats must adopt a stance that leverages similar intensity—acting decisively and authoritatively to protect democratic institutions. This authoritarian response is not a shift toward autocracy but a focused effort to strengthen democracy, enforcing accountability for those who threaten it. This paper presents a framework for this approach: a "just do it," pro-democracy authoritarianism that seeks to secure democracy rather than compromise it.

Understanding Pro-Democracy Authoritarianism: A Defensive Reaction

In adopting an authoritarian stance, Democrats are not abandoning democratic ideals; they are responding to the authoritarian tactics of their opposition with similar strength. This approach acknowledges that certain measures—if strictly targeted at preserving democratic integrity—can reinforce rather than erode democratic values.

1. Fighting Fire with Fire: This authoritarian response is a reaction to the actions of the Republican Party, which has embraced tactics that prioritize power above all else. Democrats must respond in kind, not to dominate indiscriminately, but to restore balance and protect against further destabilization of democratic structures.

2. Authoritarianism in Service of Accountability: This approach would use power to hold those accountable who have attempted to dismantle democratic institutions through manipulation, financial influence, and disinformation. By enforcing legal and regulatory measures to limit such actions, Democrats can address threats to democracy directly.

3. Focused Authoritarianism as a Temporary Measure: Importantly, this strategy should remain limited in scope, aimed at addressing the current crisis. It is not about building a permanent state of control but about addressing specific vulnerabilities within the political system that have been exploited.

How Pro-Democracy Authoritarianism Can Strengthen Democracy

1. Judicial and Electoral Reform as Protective Authoritarianism: Republicans have exploited the judiciary and electoral processes for political gain, disregarding norms to advance their agenda. A pro-democracy authoritarian response from Democrats would mean reshaping judicial and electoral systems to protect against manipulation. Measures could include limiting Supreme Court terms, expanding the number of justices to balance ideological influence, and instituting national voting protections to safeguard electoral integrity.

2. Media and Disinformation Controls to Protect Public Discourse: Republican-aligned media networks have amplified disinformation, shaping public opinion and undermining democratic processes. Democrats should consider strict regulatory measures to hold media and social platforms accountable for misinformation. This is not about suppressing free speech but ensuring that public discourse remains grounded in truth and that no single faction can use disinformation to dominate.

3. Economic Accountability as a Guard Against Financial Manipulation: The influence of dark money and corporate interests has tilted the political field, enabling power consolidation that undermines democracy. Democrats could enact strict campaign finance laws and anti-trust actions as part of their response, limiting corporate control over political processes and leveling the playing field.

4. Punitive Measures for Attempts to Undermine Democracy: A pro-democracy authoritarian approach would also involve holding individuals and entities accountable for actions intended to dismantle democratic institutions. This could include penalties for those engaged in voter suppression, disinformation campaigns, or obstruction of legitimate electoral outcomes. By imposing real consequences, Democrats can deter future attempts to destabilize democratic systems.

The Just-Do-It Mentality: Acting Decisively to Preserve Democracy

1. Immediate, Unapologetic Action: The just-do-it mentality calls for Democrats to act without hesitation, recognizing that the current crisis demands urgency. With Republicans committed to maintaining power at all costs, Democrats must act with equal commitment, implementing necessary reforms quickly to protect democracy from further exploitation.

2. Rejecting Prolonged Deliberation in Favor of Results: Democrats must prioritize action over endless debate. The “just do it” approach requires a willingness to implement measures that safeguard democracy now, rather than waiting for the perfect alignment of political conditions or public consensus.

3. Emphasizing Accountability as Justification: To address concerns of overreach, Democrats should consistently frame their actions as protective rather than punitive, underscoring that each measure is intended to preserve, not infringe upon, democratic values. This approach communicates that their authoritarian response is aimed solely at holding those accountable who have deliberately undermined democratic integrity.

Potential Challenges and How to Address Them

1. Perception of Authoritarianism as Anti-Democratic: While a pro-democracy authoritarian approach aims to protect democracy, it could be perceived as contradictory. Democrats must clearly communicate that these actions are defensive—aimed at preserving democratic norms and preventing further destabilization from those exploiting the system.

2. Balancing Power with Public Trust: By framing their actions within a pro-democracy agenda, Democrats can help mitigate fears of overreach. Transparency and clear communication will be essential to maintain public support and trust, especially as swift, decisive actions may raise concerns among moderate voters.

3. Avoiding Long-Term Power Consolidation: Democrats should make it clear that these authoritarian measures are temporary responses to a specific crisis. By establishing boundaries and committing to transparency, Democrats can reassure the public that this approach is not a shift toward permanent authoritarianism but a means to restore and protect democratic processes.

Conclusion: Embracing Pro-Democracy Authoritarianism as a Means to Secure Democracy

In response to the authoritarian turn taken by the Republican Party, the Democratic Party must adopt a similarly powerful, focused approach—embracing a just-do-it mentality and limited authoritarian measures designed to protect democracy from those seeking to dismantle it. This strategy is a direct response to the tactics employed by Trump and his allies, not an abandonment of democratic ideals. By fighting fire with fire, Democrats can act decisively to defend democratic values and ensure accountability for those who prioritize power over integrity.

The time has come to act without hesitation, using every available tool to preserve democracy. A pro-democracy authoritarian stance is not about limiting personal freedoms or imposing control; it is about protecting the institutions and principles that define democracy itself. By adopting a just-do-it mentality, Democrats can strengthen the foundations of democracy, ensuring that they endure against authoritarian threats and continue to serve the American people for generations to come.