In a wide-ranging interview with John Harwood of ProPublica, President Biden expressed his concerns about the threats to American democracy. When asked about the broader aspects of this threat, such as the Electoral College, the nature of the Senate, and gerrymandering, Biden acknowledged that the danger specifically comes from the MAGA wing of the Republican Party. For him, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are the foundations of democracy, and the real threat lies in the attempts by MAGA Republicans to overturn elections and silence the voice of the people.
Towards the end of the interview, Biden made a clear distinction between the majority of decent Americans and the minority of MAGA radicals. He emphasized that the majority needs to understand the danger posed by the radical minority and the importance of their participation in the democratic process. While the radicalized segment of the public may be small and unrepresentative, Biden acknowledged that the institutions of democracy can amplify their influence.
Harwood suggested that the American political system itself poses a threat to democracy, but Biden rejected this notion. However, it is essential to recognize that the institutions of democracy can empower those who seek to dismantle constitutional government. The framers of the Constitution, influenced by their inherited commitment to status hierarchies and their wariness of popular government, created institutions that still bear the stamp of their heritage.
These counter-majoritarian institutions continue to impede efforts to reduce wealth concentration and promote economic equality. The Supreme Court's potential rejection of a wealth tax and the United States Senate's resistance to expanding federal aid and social insurance are examples of how these institutions hinder progress. Moreover, specific institutions, such as the Electoral College and the Supreme Court's ruling on voting rights in Shelby County v. Holder, have played a significant role in the rise of Trump and the erosion of democracy.
Biden, who won the national popular vote by 6 million in 2020, understands the flaws within the system. If Trump were to win a second term, it would likely be due to the privileged electoral power granted by these institutions, rather than a genuine desire from the majority of voters. While a U.S. president cannot openly criticize the system, there is a pressing need for Americans to collectively and seriously consider structural reforms that can strengthen and fulfill the ideals of democracy.
It is crucial to address these challenges and prevent Trump from winning again. However, it is equally important to engage in open discussions about the necessary structural changes to make American democracy more resilient and truly representative of the people's will.
