Key insights

• ⚖️ Received binders with rules and norms from previous White House lawyer, Rules were not legally binding but based on traditions and customs
• ⚠️ Concerns about the implications of a leader choosing not to follow these rules after the 2016 presidential election
• ⚙️ Modern authoritarian movements dismantle democracies through a seven-step playbook including politicizing independent institutions, spreading disinformation, aggrandizing executive power, quashing dissent, scapegoating vulnerable groups, corrupting elections, and inciting violence
• 🛡️ Exercising the power to choose and making choices that fortify democracy is crucial
• 🌟 Democracy-saving choice: Ruby Freeman and her daughter stood up against false accusations and intimidation, invoking the law and democracy's defense
• ⚔️ Democracy-destroying choice: Rising far-right authoritarian parties in Europe posed threats to democratic systems, prompting mainstream parties to unite with their traditional opponents
• 🇮🇹🇩🇪 Center-right parties in Italy and Germany rode the energy of the far right to power and ended up with tragic outcomes
• 🇺🇸 Embracing the potential for positive change, Arrival of true democracy in the USA

Q&A

• What did the speaker urge people to do in the context of the current moment?

  The speaker urged people to protect self-government and democracy by drawing inspiration from a Leonard Cohen song, highlighting the potential for positive change and the arrival of true democracy in the USA.

• What is the lesson from the experience of center-right parties in Italy and Germany?

  The center-right parties in Italy and Germany rode the energy of the far right to power but ended up with tragic outcomes. This underlines the importance of putting differences aside and treating each other with respect to protect democracy. Elected officials' behavior is downstream of citizens' actions, emphasizing the impact of individual choices.

• Can individual choices safeguard or undermine democracy?

  Yes, individual choices have the power to safeguard or undermine democracy. The story of Ruby Freeman and her daughter's actions illustrates democracy-saving choices, while the rise of far-right authoritarian parties in Europe exemplifies democracy-destroying choices.

• What is the key to preventing the erosion of democracy during uncertain times?

  In times of uncertainty, the key to preventing the erosion of democracy is to exercise the power to choose and make choices that fortify democracy every day. Citizens' choices, both in big moments like elections and in everyday interactions, are crucial for democracy's survival.

• How do modern authoritarian movements dismantle democracies?

  Modern authoritarian movements dismantle democracies through a seven-step playbook, which includes politicizing independent institutions, spreading disinformation, aggrandizing executive power, quashing dissent, scapegoating vulnerable groups, corrupting elections, and inciting violence.

• What were the concerns after the 2016 presidential election regarding following these rules?

  There were concerns about the implications of a leader choosing not to follow these rules after the 2016 presidential election. This raised questions about the adherence to established norms and traditions in the White House.

• What were the binders received by the lawyer working for the White House?

  The lawyer working for the White House received binders containing rules and norms left by a previous lawyer. These rules were not legally binding but were based on traditions and customs, serving as a guide for White House staff.

• 00:04 A lawyer working for the White House received binders containing rules and norms left by a previous lawyer, which served as a guide for White House staff. These rules were not legally binding but based on traditions and customs. Concerns arose about the implications of a leader choosing not to follow these rules after the 2016 presidential election.
• 02:19 Leaders and movements seeking to replace liberal democracy with authoritarian forms of government are on the rise in the 21st century. These modern authoritarian movements dismantle democracies through politicizing independent institutions, spreading disinformation, aggrandizing executive power, quashing dissent, scapegoating vulnerable groups, corrupting elections, and inciting violence.
• 05:04 In times of uncertainty, the temptation to give more power to a leader is strong, but it can lead to autocracy and the erosion of democracy. The key to preventing this is to exercise the power to choose and make choices that fortify democracy every day.
• 08:04 A story of democracy-saving and democracy-destroying choices, exemplified by the actions of Ruby Freeman and her daughter, and the response to rising authoritarian parties in Europe.
• 10:45 Center-right parties in Italy and Germany rode the energy of the far right to power, but ended up in tragic outcomes. America's center-right faces a similar choice, with the opportunity to protect democracy by putting differences aside and treating each other with respect.
• 13:24 The speaker reflects on the current moment, drawing inspiration from a Leonard Cohen song to underscore the potential for positive change and the arrival of true democracy in the USA.