DEFINITIONS OF FASCISM:
” A political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.” ( Merriam- Webster Dictionary).
“A mass political movement that emphasizes extreme nationalism, militarism, and the supremacy of both the nation and the single, powerful leader over the individual citizen.“
The Biden re-election campaign is committed to educating Americans about what fascism and authoritarianism mean and to recognizing the Trump/ MAGA message is the opposite of the democratic, freedom-based country that has defined America for centuries. The use of disinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories is misused to scare and control vulnerable, disgruntled citizens. Autocrats present their lies in a highly emotional, performative style that incites people to support even the most heinous policies and actions of their regimes. Donald Trump is America’s first fascist dictator. The Jan. 6th insurrection and his use of tactical rhetoric to incite violence against members of the justice system and his political opponents are examples of his authoritarian impulses. Any person or law that holds him accountable for crimes against democracy becomes a target of his calls for violent retaliation by his followers.
DONALD TRUMP AND JOE BIDEN COULD NOT BE MORE DIFFERENT.
Joe Biden is a man of faith. He is not quick to anger, is not vengeful, respects and admires diversity, has compassion for those who experience loss and suffer from poverty or disability. He is not thin-skinned, doesn’t whine, blame, or lie. He engages in compromise with opponents and sees all people as equal. He doesn’t break the law, incite violence or disrespect or violate the Constitution. He values people, relationships, faith, and decency over money and possessions. He doesn’t tell, curse, scream, bully, and seek to ruin the lives of people who oppose him. He is strong without relying on faux, toxic masculinity.
Social scientists explain Trump’s popularity as a cult movement. They credit Trump’s skills at lying, making false promises, manipulation, and intimidation tactics for creating the loyalty he receives from his followers. However, that can only be a partial explanation. When you listen to Trump’s followers pledge their trust and devotion to him, they not only believe his every word (without investigation), but they think, feel, and act like him. That’s the scariest part of the Trump era. It revealed there are millions of people who share his character flaws and dangerous, hateful impulses. Having different views is not a pathology. However, hating and wanting to harm or get rid of people with different perspectives is pathological. The best way to protect democracy is to recognize the haters and not elect them to any branch of government.
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