Podcast Summary: Autocracy in America – Episode: "Start With a Lie"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Autocracy in America
• Host/Author: The Atlantic
• Description: There are authoritarian tactics already at work in the United States. To root them out, you have to know where to look.
• Episode: Start With a Lie
• Release Date: September 6, 2024

1. Introduction: The Subtle Rise of Authoritarianism

Anne Applebaum and Peter Pomerantsev delve into the current political climate in the United States, arguing that authoritarian tactics are subtly eroding democratic safeguards. They emphasize that this shift doesn't manifest as overt oppression but through insidious changes that undermine democratic institutions and norms.

Peter Pomerantsev (03:04): "There are authoritarian tactics already at work in America, eating away at the guardrails that prevent a leader from usurping power. And we're going to show you where."

2. Historical Context: Lessons from the Past

The hosts draw parallels between contemporary America and historical instances of democratic backsliding. They reference George Washington's officers performing the play "Cato" at Valley Forge in 1778, highlighting that every generation envisions its unique threat to democracy.

Anne Applebaum (01:01): "Picture this. A harsh winter has finally come to an end. Exhausted and ragged, America's Revolutionary army soldiers are huddled in tents. It's Valley Forge. It's 1778."

3. Modern Conspiracy Theories as Authoritarian Tools

Applebaum and Pomerantsev discuss how conspiracy theories, such as birtherism, serve as tools for authoritarian leaders to consolidate power by delegitimizing opponents and fostering division.

Peter Pomerantsev (04:35): "But it was the way they were using this conspiracy was a kind of a real warning sign. This wasn't like, I don't know, the Kennedy assassination, where people try to find the truth out here."

4. Case Study: Maricopa County and Stephen Richer

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Stephen Richer, an election official in Maricopa County, Arizona. After former President Donald Trump falsely accused him of deleting election files, Richer faced intense harassment and unfounded investigations. This case exemplifies how authoritarian tactics infiltrate democratic institutions.

• Trump's Accusation:

  Trump's Statement (07:04): "The entire database of Maricopa county in Arizona has been deleted. This is illegal."

• Richer's Response:

  Stephen Richer (08:32): "We can't indulge these insane lies any longer."

• Consequences for Richer:

  Anne Applebaum (31:29): "Stephen Richer and his team in 2021 are being questioned and harassed and threatened and even investigated by the state's Attorney General under pressure from the President of the United States."

5. The Fallout Within the Republican Party: Adam Kinzinger's Journey

Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, shares his experiences of alienation after opposing Trump’s unfounded claims about the 2020 election. His story illustrates the personal costs of standing against the tide of misinformation within one's own party.

• Kinzinger's Realization:

  Adam Kinzinger (19:34): "If you know that, and you know that's hard for you to do, but you can convince yourself that the Democrats are making this up..."

• Personal Attacks:

  Adam Kinzinger (27:16): "Oh, yeah. You know, the guy I fought with in Iraq sent me a text that said, 'I'm ashamed to have ever flown with you.'"

6. The Psychology of Belief and Coercion

The hosts explore how authoritarian regimes manipulate truth and reality to maintain control. They discuss the concept of "mental corruption," where individuals internalize falsehoods to align with prevailing power structures, often out of fear of ostracization or worse.

Anne Applebaum (25:28): "When you aren't having a conversation about reality, you're not talking about things that have actually happened..."

7. Implications for American Democracy

Applebaum and Pomerantsev warn of the broader implications for U.S. democracy if these authoritarian tactics continue unchecked. They highlight the erosion of trust in institutions, the spread of misinformation, and the intimidation of public servants as critical threats.

Peter Pomerantsev (32:14): "It's unsettling. And people talk about it years later and don't always recover."

8. The Role of Institutions and the Path Forward

Despite the challenges, the hosts emphasize the resilience of democratic institutions. They discuss recent developments, such as the change in Arizona's Attorney General, which led to the cessation of unfounded investigations against Stephen Richer.

Anne Applebaum (33:08): "The infrastructure of reason is still standing. In Maricopa county, the Kafkaesque investigation into Richer ended..."

9. Conclusion: A Call to Vigilance

The episode concludes with a sobering reflection on the fragility of democracy in the face of authoritarian tactics. Applebaum and Pomerantsev underscore the importance of vigilance, accountability, and the protection of democratic norms to prevent further erosion.

Peter Pomerantsev (36:07): "It's beginning to happen already... That's next time on Autocracy in America."

Notable Moments:

• 0:00 - 1:00: Introductory advertisements by Ryan Reynolds and Progressive Insurance are present but are excluded from the content summary.
• 15:04 - 15:46: A brief advertisement for blinds.com is aired and subsequently skipped.
• 35:07 - 35:31: Credits and acknowledgments are provided, marking the end of the episode's core content.

Key Takeaways:

• Authoritarian tactics in the U.S. are emerging subtly through conspiracy theories and the undermining of institutional integrity.
• Personal stories, such as those of Stephen Richer and Adam Kinzinger, highlight the real-world impact of these tactics on individuals and democratic processes.
• The psychological manipulation of truth and the coercion of individuals to conform pose significant threats to the fabric of American democracy.
• Vigilance and the strengthening of democratic institutions are crucial to countering the rise of authoritarianism.

Quotes for Reflection:

• Peter Pomerantsev (02:24): "And we both know that this doesn't necessarily look like stormtroopers marching in the streets."
• Adam Kinzinger (24:28): "I have come to believe in my life that people fear more than they fear death. They fear not belonging."

Final Thoughts:

"Start With a Lie" serves as a compelling examination of the subtle yet profound ways in which authoritarianism can infiltrate democratic societies. Through historical analogies, personal narratives, and critical analysis, Applebaum and Pomerantsev provide a nuanced understanding of the current challenges facing American democracy.