‘Biden Against Democracy,’ the Right’s Favorite Trump Rationale – New York Magazine
One of Donald Trumps most consistent election messages is that Joe Biden, not he, is the threat to democracy. The New York Times has an excellent story explaining how this message, which Trump summarizes as BAD (Biden Against Democracy), is designed to neutralize Trumps most important political weakness.
The article puts this strategy in the context of Trumps lifelong habit of accusing his opponents of whatever Trump himself is doing in order to muddy the waters and foster cynicism. But there is another aspect of this argument the article does not consider: BAD is not only a Trumpian schoolyard taunt but also an argument that is being advanced by putatively serious conservative intellectuals.
The literal version of Trumps argument which casts Biden as an authoritarian tyrant who stole the election and is now hell-bent on imprisoning his opponent is obviously promoted by his most enthusiastic supporters. But the main purpose of the claim is to turn the democracy question into a tie. Maybe Trump has been a bad boy (January 6 and all that), the argument will go, but Biden has also threatened democracy. Since both candidates are authoritarians, we might as well vote for the one who will support our favorite domestic policies.
This version of the argument is especially attractive to conservatives who have locked themselves into an anti-Trump posture but wish to create a permission structure to support him as the lesser evil.
The most enthusiastic source of support for this argument is the anti-anti-Trump right at traditional conservative organs like The Wall Street Journal editorial page and the National Review. Rich Lowry, NRs editor-in-chief, has churned out a string of columns straining to make the case that Trumps opponents are just as much to blame for authoritarianism as he is. One recent Lowry column insists that if Biden really cared about democracy, hed quit the race. If Joe Biden were, as a matter of principle, devoted to defending democracy at all costs, he argues, obviously the first thing he would do would be to step aside for some younger, more capable, less radioactive Democrat with a much better chance of beating Trump. (Lowry does not entertain the obvious possibility that Biden genuinely, if perhaps erroneously, considers himself Trumps strongest opponent.) Instead, he argues that Biden doesnt really care much about saving democracy. So why should anybody else?
In another recent column, he concedes that Trumps critics are sincerely, and to some extent understandably, alarmed by his conduct after the 2020 election and how hes branded his political comeback as a revenge tour. But Lowry argues that they are therefore going to react to a potential Trump victory in undemocratic ways:
At least some portion of the Left will convince itself that only a color revolution can save the country.
Prior to the 2016 TrumpClinton contest, one school of Trump supporters posited that it was the Flight 93 election possibly the last chance to save the country. The consequences of failure were so awful that anything was justified to win. Now, thats the way the Left feels, except Trump won his Flight 93 election, and Joe Biden could well lose his.
If so, there will be much to fear from democracys self-styled defenders.
So, you see, this hypothetical future of left-wing behavior that mimics Trump just shows that Trump is no worse than his enemies. Suppose I steal Lowrys wallet, and when he calls me a thief, I point out that his angry rhetoric is a justification for stealing back my money what else would you do against a thief? I suppose he will agree that we are now moral equals with regard to theft.
George F. Will recently insisted in a column that Joe Biden is, like Trump, an authoritarian recidivist mostly stymied by courts and that alarmism over Trumps contempt for democracy distracts attention from the similarity of Trumps and Bidens disdain for legality.
What is the authoritarian offense of Bidens that renders him equal to Trump? I will let Will explain the despotic Biden actions that threaten the republic in all its bloody particulars:
Biden nominated Ann Carlson last March to be administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Two months later, when it was clear that the Senate would not confirm her, Biden withdrew the nomination. But less than five weeks after that, he named Carlson acting administrator. His impertinence would perhaps be limited, by the Vacancies Act, to 210 days, which would expire Dec. 26. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has held that the act prohibits any person who has been nominated to fill any vacant office from performing that offices duties in an acting capacity.
Yes, you read that correctly. The equivalent of Trump openly threatening to lock up his enemies, use the military to crush protests, glorifying in violent attacks on his critics, deeming all elections he loses ipso facto stolen, and inciting a mob led by right-wing paramilitaries to storm the Capitol is Biden allowing Anne Carlson to serve as acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Now, look. We can agree that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, like other federal agencies, should have a Senate-confirmed leader. And we can further agree that a system that allows presidents to use acting appointees to circumvent Senate confirmation Will notes later in the column this problem has been ongoing since at least the 1990s is broken and in need of reform.
But the idea that this now-routine approach to running the bureaucracy is remotely comparable to the behavior of a man who transparently idolizes dictators is not remotely tenable. It is not a way to hold Democrats to account for the normal failings of politicians. It is a way of running interference for Trumps scheme to undermine the foundations of the republic. Its adherents should at least have the self-respect to stop posing as Trump critics and unmask themselves as water carriers for his own campaign message.
Irregular musings from the center left.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
See the rest here:
'Biden Against Democracy,' the Right's Favorite Trump Rationale - New York Magazine
- Harvards Fight Is a Defense of Democracy and Civic Virtue - Liberal Currents - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Members of Congress visiting ICE facilities are showing up for democracy - The Hill - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Irwin Cotler sounds alarm on erosion of Israels greatest protection its democracy - The Times of Israel - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Georgia: how democracy is being eroded fast as government shifts towards Russia - The Conversation - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- CONNECTIONS: We shouldn't be surprised that we still have to fight for democracy even after 249 years - The Berkshire Edge - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Depression Due to Politics: the Quiet Danger to Democracy - University of California, Merced - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democracy v. Plutocracy: Breaking Up is Hard to Do - KPFA - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Indefatigable leaders of Indivisible Sagadahoc fighting to save democracy - The Portland Press Herald - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- More on the Abrego Garcia Case: Some Good News for Democracy, Despite the Government's Best Efforts - Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- AI, Fair Use, and the Arsenal of Democracy - RealClearDefense - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Opinion - Members of Congress visiting ICE facilities are showing up for democracy - Yahoo - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democracy isnt dying in darkness. Its being killed off in plain sight. - Inquirer.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Letters: Valuing democracy and a nation of laws - Westerly Sun - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- MK Gilad Kariv on the fight for democracy and Reform Judaism in wartime Israel - Haaretz - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Austin Sarat: In a democracy, protest is good for the soul, even if it does not change anyones mind - TribLIVE.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Coups in west Africa have five things in common: knowing what they are is key to defending democracy - The Conversation - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Aos Fatos turns ten in the trenches for democracy - Aos Fatos - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Lost Jefferson letter on arms and democracy resurfaces for Fourth of July sale - The Guardian - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- This July 4, Lets Resolve to Win an Actual Democracy - Jacobin - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?: James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglasss Historic Speech - Democracy Now! - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Democracy on the brink? Nearly 3 in 4 Americans say yes - Salon.com - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- This Week in Democracy Week 24: Trump Goes From Islamophobic Attacks on Mamdani to Antisemitic Tropes About Bankers - Zeteo - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Faith, Democracy, and the Catholic Duty To Stay Involved - The Fulcrum - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Katie Drummond: Democracy in the US is under threat. And that threat is facilitated by technology and the makers of that technology - EL PAS English - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Hundreds attend pro-democracy rally on the Fourth of July in Sioux Falls - Argus Leader - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Activists sound alarm over US cuts to programs providing internet access and promoting democracy in Iran - CNN - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Explained: Where SCOTUS' Nationwide Injunctions Ruling Leaves the Cases Against Trump - Democracy Docket - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Opinion | The Secret to Saving Democracy in the US Is a New Kind of Civics Education - Common Dreams - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Vermont Representative Becca Balint convenes a panel to discuss democracy and the Constitution ahead of July 4 - WAMC - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Talking Europe - Access to documents is crucial for transparency and a strong democracy: EU Ombudswoman - France 24 - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Defend Democracy Against Bombardments on the Elections Front A Three-Part Series - The Fulcrum - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Democracy in Dialogue project at BPL provides education and creative expression | The Hawk Eye - Burlington, Iowa - Daily Gate City - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Democracy Gave Us This. There Has To Be a Better Way. - The Nation - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Hong Kongs light fades as another pro-democracy party folds - The Conversation - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- How America forgot the best way to defend its democracy - vox.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Democracy in action: Self-determination in William & Marys residence halls - W&M News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- What Democracy Promised Us and What We Got Instead - The Fulcrum - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- This July 4, the nations top trial lawyers warn of threats to democracy | Opinion - Bergen Record - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Is the growth of executive power a threat to constitutional democracy? - Brookings - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Opinion: Lets look beyond the fireworks and recommit to democracy - Bangor Daily News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Capitalism and democracy are weakening reviving the idea of calling can help to repair them - The Conversation - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- DOJ Sides With Wyoming in Proof of Citizenship Voting Lawsuit - Democracy Docket - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Progress in key areas would benefit Trinidad and Tobago democracy, says Commonwealths final report on 2025 parliamentary elections -... - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Making Democracy Work: Having the right to choose with the Death with Dignity Act - TBR News Media - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Palestine Action isnt a danger to British democracy but this repressive government is | George Monbiot - The Guardian - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Not a Done Deal: After Senate Passes Big, Ugly Bill, Progressives Fight to Stop It in the House - Democracy Now! - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Koreas democracy and alliance with the U.S. are in good hands, not in peril - Washington Times - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- EU Should Act Against El Salvadors Dismantling of Democracy - Human Rights Watch - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Democracy's Discontent: Why Are We So Polarized, and What Can We Do About It? - Ideastream - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Another Tale of Two Uncle Sams: Mamdanis Unexpected Win and Hope for a Democratic Democracy - Counterpunch - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- The Tech Elites Takeover of Crypto is a Growing Threat to European Democracy - Tech Policy Press - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- We at Mountain Dew Would Like to Apologize for Our Role in the Destruction of American Democracy - McSweeneys Internet Tendency - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Descent into Kleptocracy: The Corruption of America and Trumps systematic looting of Democracy - Milwaukee Independent - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- On this July 4th, celebrate our democracy and tend toward the light | Column - Tampa Bay Times - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Election Matters 2025: Year in Review: Democracy Litigation in SCOTUS and the States - WisconsinEye - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- The Make America Healthy Again report shows how AI can undermine the US Official Record, and democracy - LSE Blogs - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- New Lancaster Museum to Explore Reconstruction Era and the Fight for Democracy - WITF - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- The Institutions Protecting US Democracy Have Turned Into Traps - Bloomberg.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Dissatisfaction with democracy remains widespread in many nations - Pew Research Center - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Poll: Most feel democracy is threatened and political violence is a major problem - NPR - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Poll: What Americans think about the state of democracy and how Trump is doing - VPM - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- The last Hong Kong pro-democracy party that held street protests disbands - CNN - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- They Demanded Democracy. Years Later, They Are Still Paying the Price. - The New York Times - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- New poll finds about three-quarters of Americans say democracy under threat : Trump's Terms - NPR - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Ford Foundation selects Yale dean and democracy scholar Heather Gerken to succeed Darren Walker - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Why democracy hinges on respect for the court and the rule of law - Deseret News - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Bill Moyers journalism strengthened democracy by connecting Americans to ideas and each other, in a long and extraordinary career - The Conversation - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Poll: What Americans think about the state of democracy and how Trump is doing - KUOW - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Damaging and Deadly Heat Domes Nearly Tripled, from Europe to the U.S.: Climatologist Michael Mann - Democracy Now! - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Poorly led, strategically inept and shorn of democracy. Now I truly fear for this Labour government | John McDonnell - The Guardian - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- More Americans think the U.S. is in a constitutional crisis than think the U.S. is a democracy - YouGov - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Five years on, Hong Kongs national security law extinguishes last standing pro-democracy party - The Guardian - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Comprehensive Road Repairs Begin on Democracy Boulevard, Expected to Last 10-12 Weeks - The MoCo Show - - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- We the People includes all Americans but July 4 is a reminder that democracy remains a work in progress - WSOC TV - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition Stand with American Samoa in Opposing Unilateral Proposals for Deep Seabed Mining -... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- In-Depth Exploration of Participatory Democracy and Local Governance Practices in Spain - United Nations Development Programme - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Information overload: Can we keep our minds and our democracy? - Lowy Institute - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Democracy Forward Boosts Appellate Bench With Latest Hires - Law360 - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Tens of Thousands Flee Gaza City as Israel Issues New Forced Evacuation Orders - Democracy Now! - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Poll: What Americans think about the state of democracy and how Trump is doing - New Hampshire Public Radio - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]