The Dangers of Granting Trump Another Term

Democracy is often the foundational pillar of U.S. nationhood. Its principles—free elections, equal representation, individual rights, and the rule of law—are central to the United States' identity. A nation exists because of the effectiveness of its democratic institutions. Democracy guarantees the ability to vote, marry, and determine one's academic or business pursuits, providing the conditions for self-determination and the pursuit of happiness without government interference. Without these foundational freedoms, innovation and progress would be stifled in business, education, or other areas, regardless of its economic might or military strength.

In a democracy, the core issue is not just a nation's immediate economic prosperity or security but the strength and integrity of the democratic institutions that allow the country to function, grow, and adapt. Democracy is the thread that ties everything together—without it, no other issue truly matters.

While polls and various indices often show the economy as a primary concern for Americans—particularly during economic downturns, inflation, or unemployment—many would argue that a healthy democracy is ultimately more fundamental than financial prosperity. The economy plays a crucial role but operates within the framework of democratic principles. Even a booming economy could collapse under corruption, inequality, or authoritarianism.

Restoring respect for democratic institutions and freedoms is a central issue in the upcoming election, which will significantly shape the future of democracy in the United States. In this presidential election, democracy should come first, as it creates the conditions for a more just and balanced economy rather than the other way around. In this context, border security, while important, must be seen through the lens of democratic values. The rule of law and the ability to govern fairly and justly make border security and immigration policies legitimate. It's not just about closing borders; it's about ensuring that border policies respect human dignity, the rights of asylum seekers, and the broader values of fairness and justice. Therefore, Moderate Voices of America advocates for a presidential candidate who firmly supports democratic values.

In this election, it is crucial to evaluate which U.S. presidential candidates stand firmly for democracy. It's essential to look at their actions, rhetoric, and policies over time rather than just their campaign promises. We urge you to critically evaluate the actions of the candidates, as these will have a more significant impact on the future of democracy than their promises. Invariably, Donald Trump is the only candidate who has served a term as president. Therefore, evaluating his presidency through the lens of democracy involves looking at key events, policies, and overall governance approach.

During his first term in office (2017-2021), Donald Trump's actions, rhetoric, and policies sparked intense debate regarding his commitment to democratic principles. Here's a glimpse into his first term and how it aligns or not with democratic values:

1. Respect for Election Results

• 2016 Election and Aftermath: After winning the 2016 election, Trump repeatedly claimed that the election had been "rigged" and that there had been widespread voter fraud. This rhetoric undermined faith in the electoral process despite no significant evidence of fraud. His claims about the legitimacy of his victory were a point of contention, significantly as they contributed to a more profound polarization in the country.
• 2020 Election: After losing to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump refused to concede and falsely claimed Biden stole the election. He pushed numerous legal challenges, many dismissed due to lack of evidence. His efforts culminated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election results. Americans see Trump's actions during this time as an attack on the democratic process and a failure to respect the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy.

2. Support for Voting Rights

• Voter ID Laws and Voting Restrictions: Trump supported voter ID laws, which critics argue impact minority voters disproportionately, and endorsed restrictive voting measures in several states. His administration also opposed expanding access to mail-in voting, a significant issue in the 2020 election amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trump administration's approach to voting rights was seen by many as regressive, with a focus on limiting voter access rather than expanding it.
• Claims of Voter Fraud: Trump's repeated and unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election contributed to efforts in several states to impose more restrictive voting laws, which critics argue could suppress votes, especially from minority and marginalized communities.

3. Checks and Balances

• Attacks on the Judiciary and Media: Trump frequently criticized judges, particularly those who ruled against his administration's policies. He also attacked the press, labeling outlets like CNN and The New York Times as "fake news" and calling journalists the "enemy of the people." These actions raised concerns about his respect for the independence of the judiciary and the media, both of which are fundamental to the functioning of a democracy.
• Executive Power: Trump often embraced a strong executive branch, sometimes at the expense of checks and balances. For example, he threatened to override congressional authority on matters like funding for his border wall and took actions that bypassed or weakened specific legislative oversight mechanisms.

4. Freedom of Speech and Expression

• Criticism of the Press: As mentioned, Trump had an antagonistic relationship with the media, referring to journalists as "enemies of the people." While he did not take direct action to curtail press freedom, his rhetoric created hostility toward the press, which some saw as an attempt to delegitimize unfavorable coverage and discredit dissenting views.
• Social Media: Trump's use of Twitter was highly controversial. He often bypassed traditional media channels to communicate directly with the public, positively and negatively affecting political discourse. His posts frequently included inflammatory statements, misinformation, and personal attacks. Although he had the right to free speech, his tweets sometimes undermined respectful political debate and fostered division.

5. Civil Rights and Social Justice

• Racial Tensions: Trump's response to incidents involving racial tension was inflammatory and race-based. For example, after the violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, where white supremacists clashed with counter-protesters, Trump said there were "very fine people on both sides." Most Americans saw his statement as failing to denounce white nationalism and racial hatred.
• Immigration Policies: Trump's "zero tolerance" policies on immigration, which led to family separations at the border, were viewed by many as harsh and discriminatory. His efforts to ban travel from several predominantly Muslim countries (the so-called "Muslim ban") were discriminatory and contrary to democratic principles of inclusivity and freedom.
• Black Lives Matter Protests: During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, Trump's rhetoric and response to protesters were often divisive. He deployed federal agents to Portland, Oregon, to quell protests, raising concerns about the militarization of law enforcement and the right to protest peacefully.

6. Foreign Policy and Democracy

• Relations with Autocrats: Trump's friendly relationships with authoritarian leaders, such as Vladimir Putin of Russia, Kim Jong-un of North Korea, and Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, raised concerns among critics about his commitment to promoting democracy abroad. His often-favorable rhetoric toward these leaders starkly contrasted traditional U.S. support for democratic movements worldwide.
• Withdrawal from International Agreements: Trump's decision to withdraw from international agreements, including the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal, was seen by some as an isolationist stance that weakened the global community's commitment to diplomacy and democratic values on the world stage.

In such times, it is crucial to ascertain that a candidate will uphold the rule of law, defend democratic norms, and ensure a fair and transparent government. However, based on Trump's consistent disregard for the rule of law, as detailed above, we at Moderate Voices of America cannot support Trump's bid for re-election in good conscience. Granting Trump another term would significantly threaten democracy and the principles of law and order.

We therefore endorse Kamala Harris's candidacy for president of the United States of America. With her background in law enforcement as California's Attorney General and U.S. Vice President and her career in public service, Harris will stabilize democratic processes and ensure that foundational institutions like the judiciary, the press, and electoral systems are respected. Americans can evaluate Harris's economic stewardship and other policy concerns later. What matters most, particularly in this context, is maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions. We urge you to vote overwhelmingly for Kamala Harris for president on November 5, 2024.

Please visit our website: www.moderatevoices.org

Nicholas A. Owoyemi

President & CEO (Author)

Moderate Voices of America (MVA)

30 Wall Street, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10005

212 406-1958

info@moderatevoices.org