Decay of democracy in the US? Time for America to introspect

Democratic elections are a surreal exercise; you have only as many ethical ways to outperform your opponent. You conduct rallies, tarnish their political image, delegitimise them, spread fake news, or even go to the extent of shaming their support base, calling them “a basket of deplorables”. But when these don’t work, what more could you do?

For starters, you turn to political revenge—you start with rigging the elections, silence them, unconstitutionally disempowering their freedom of speech, filing false cases, investigating them, locking them in jail, or attacking their funding—and, unfortunately, these retaliatory actions have become an unwritten norm across the democratic spectrum of the international system. But the question is, where do you draw the line?

The assassination attempt on former American president Donald Trump serves as a powerful wake-up call, highlighting the dangerous depths that politics of revenge can reach in today’s highly polarised world. And more importantly, it’s a moment for self-introspection for the American political system, which is almost always in a hurry to give unsolicited advice and comment on the internal affairs of nations across the world.

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This incident underscores the erosion of democratic norms and the increasing acceptance of extreme measures as political tools. In a democracy that prides itself on upholding the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful dissent, resorting to violence and intimidation marks a significant departure from these foundational principles. The use of political revenge not only undermines the integrity of the electoral process but also jeopardises the very fabric of democracy, eroding public trust in political institutions and processes.

The implications of such an assassination attempt extend beyond the immediate threat to an individual. It reflects a broader trend of escalating political violence and extremism, fueled by deep-seated ideological divisions and a climate of intolerance. Left-wing extremism, in particular, has been on the rise, characterised by increasingly aggressive tactics aimed at silencing opposition and achieving political ends through coercion and intimidation.

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The normalisation of these extreme measures signals a disturbing decay in democratic discourse and governance. When political actors resort to such tactics, it not only delegitimizes their cause but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and retribution, further entrenching divisions within society. This creates a perilous environment where political disagreements are no longer resolved through debate and dialogue but through acts of vengeance and retribution.

What’s also interesting and warrants serious discussion is the timing of this attack. The last couple of weeks have been peculiar in American politics, with the Trump-led GOP clearly gaining an edge by all parameters, especially after the first presidential debate on June 27, 2024.

Polls indicated a shift in favour, suggesting that his campaign was gaining momentum. Could the shift in dynamics potentially explain the desperation and extreme measures employed by some of his detractors or their radical base? In fact, Biden’s own core support base seemed disillusioned, and there were widespread questions about his fitness for office. The traditional left-wing media in the US even started talking about Biden’s successor.

This sudden shift in the political landscape has left many questioning the motives behind such extreme actions. Was the attack a desperate attempt to halt Trump’s resurgence, a reflection of deeper political animosities, or an act by radical left-wing elements within the political spectrum? These questions underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The disillusionment within Biden’s support base cannot be ignored either. Concerns about his health and leadership capabilities have fueled speculation and uncertainty. When mainstream left-wing media outlets start discussing potential successors, it’s a clear indication of the instability and lack of confidence within the party. This internal turmoil, combined with the external pressure of a resurgent Trump campaign, creates a volatile political environment ripe for extreme actions.

It would be naive and dishonest not to discuss the intentional unleashing of left-wing extremism in the US for political mileage by the ruling party. Giving credit where it’s due, the left wing in the US has been successful in creating an image of Trump as a fascist, demagogue, and perpetual threat to the foundation of liberty, equality, and fraternity. In this polarised atmosphere, the role of the American media cannot be overlooked either. The media’s portrayal of political figures and their actions can either exacerbate tensions or help to bridge divides.

The sensationalism and bias in media coverage often contribute to polarisation, fueling extremist sentiments and justifying extreme actions. The media’s responsibility to provide balanced and objective reporting is more critical than ever in these times of heightened political tension.

In the latest development, the liberal media has again failed to recognise the severity of this attack, deliberately undermining the incident with dismissive terms like “popping sounds”, “loud noises”, and “chaos at rally”. This downplaying of violence not only distorts the reality of the situation but also perpetuates a dangerous narrative that minimises the threat posed by political extremism and the media’s role in it, irrespective of ideological inclination. Having the spine to call a spade a spade is the fragile pedestal that sustains media integrity. That’s journalism 101.

In conclusion, the timing of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, amidst a critical juncture in the electoral campaign, raises significant concerns about the state of American democracy and, most importantly, an urgent call to look within. It reflects the desperation and extreme measures that can arise in a polarised political landscape. As the nation navigates this challenging period, it is essential to prioritise democratic values, ensure the integrity of the electoral process, and promote a culture of civility and respect. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the urgent need for collective action to safeguard its principles.

The author is a research assistant at the Department of Public and International Affairs in City University of Hong Kong (CityU). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.