Trump’s threat to American democracy

A perfect storm of contemporary events has triggered deep angst about American democracy. Long-standing concern was exacerbated during the 2024 US election campaign by the extreme rhetoric used by former President Donald J. Trump, who exploited the politics of grievance and promised retribution against his enemies. Yet the outcome produced a rightward vote shift coast to coast and consolidated executive power. Why didn’t risks to American democracy resonate sufficiently for voters to support Harris? The chapter emphasizes the potential explanation lies with: (i) the salience of alternative issues, like inflation; (ii) disagreement over the nature of democratic challenges facing America; and (iii) whether supporters regarded Trump's words as dramatic performance but not as literal policies.