Defeat in the 2020 elections has only increased the sense of victimhood on the part of the reactionary GOP base. Instead of engaging in a battle over policy, the intelligentsia of the Republican Party (if you can call them that) is now openly embracing anti-democratic ideas and branding a majority of American–not outsiders or even the government– as the enemy. The leadership, for its part, is pursuing a “no enemies to the right” approach by tolerating extremists, if not openly embracing their views. The GOP is, in effect, declaring war on America instead of trying to change its mind.
Since, for a variety of reasons, secession is not a practical option, this means pursuing vote suppression legislation at the state level, infiltrating the military and law enforcement agencies, and packing the judiciary wherever possible with reliable supporters. If this can be accomplished, and the GOP wins the presidency in 2024, a suitable pretext can be found for imposing emergency restrictions on the cultural left. The Orban Option will then be an accomplished fact.
How can Biden and the Democrats resist this? Here are some suggestions:
- GOVERN SUCCESSFULLY: Given the stakes involved, be bold. Money is not much of an object if the survival of the system is at stake.
- FIND AND PROSECUTE DANGEROUS EXTREMISTS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT: Extremism can be deterred to some extent if it is handled properly.
- DON’T POKE THE BEAR: Time is on your side, and the GOP knows it. Demographics will solve the problem in 10-20 years. Do your best to avoid culture war provocations in the interim.