Next Comes What? Episode Summary: "The Same Damn Thing But Worse"
Podcast Information
- Title: Next Comes What?
- Host/Author: Andrea Pitzer
- Description: Author Andrea Pitzer explores lessons from the rise of global strongmen to counteract figures like Trump and his allies.
- Episode: The Same Damn Thing But Worse
- Release Date: July 17, 2025
Introduction: Reflecting on a Decade Since Trump’s Candidacy
Opening the episode, Andrea Pitzer marks the ten-year anniversary of Donald Trump's announcement of his presidential candidacy on June 16. She draws parallels between Trump's rhetoric and that of 20th-century dictators, highlighting the universal nature of such rhetoric and the critical role strong institutions play in preventing authoritarianism.
Notable Quote:
"It was kind of unsettling to me at that time to notice so clearly that this kind of rhetoric is really a universal rhetoric, and the brakes on it seem to be how strong are the institutions in a given place."
(00:50)
Historical Parallels: Media Struggles with Authoritarian Rhetoric
Pitzer delves into historical attempts by media outlets to manage and contextualize authoritarian leaders. She references a 1932 New York Times article by Joseph Shaplin, which compared Hitler to Machiavelli, and discusses the challenges newspapers have faced in addressing leaders like Trump.
Notable Quotes:
"Apparently it matters little to his followers what he says. Their chief concern seems to be how he says it."
(01:40)
"Hitler was drawing comparisons to Machiavelli, but she noted that others might be more inclined to mutter Barnum und baili under the subhead a mellowing viewpoint."
(01:50)
The Erosion of Democratic Safeguards
Andrea Pitzer reflects on the diminishing barriers that once protected the U.S. from descending into authoritarianism. She underscores the historical differences between the U.S. and Nazi Germany but notes that many of the institutional safeguards have weakened over the past decade.
Notable Quote:
"What are you going to have to say to people who are afraid or who represent people who are afraid? We are all afraid."
(03:36)
Rise of Paramilitary Support and Increased Violence
Pitzer discusses the growth of paramilitary groups supporting Trump, highlighting events like the Charlottesville rally in 2017 and the tragic murder of Heather Heyer. She contrasts Trump’s early lack of direct paramilitary support with the more organized and violence-ready groups that emerged post-2016.
Notable Quotes:
"Adolf Hitler had paramilitary backing that Donald Trump simply lacked when he arrived on the scene in 2015."
(05:00)
"The assassinations and attempted assassinations in Minnesota in June were a tragic indicator of our political fabric unraveling."
(07:09)
January 6th and the Breakdown of Institutional Trust
The episode covers the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault as a pivotal moment where extremist groups demonstrated their capacity to destabilize American democracy. Pitzer draws parallels to historical coups and emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by these groups.
Notable Quote:
"But an assault on the Capitol building and an attempt to derail the transfer of power to keep Trump in office."
(06:50)
Expansion of the Police State: Policies and Budget Increases
Pitzer highlights the administration's efforts to expand law enforcement powers and funding, particularly focusing on immigration enforcement. She warns that the new budget bill, which allocates over $150 billion for ICE, represents a significant step toward establishing a police state.
Notable Quotes:
"The bill passed by Congress this week is perhaps the biggest red flag for the country since Trump's reelection, bigger even than Supreme Court corruption."
(12:17)
"Money is what the bill would provide more than $150 billion in additional funding to hire new ICE agents and add detention space."
(11:53)
Normalization of Authoritarian Tactics
Andrea compares the current U.S. administration's actions to those of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, particularly in terms of surveillance, detention, and the expansion of state violence. She cites Heinrich Himmler's strategies to maintain control and how similar tactics are being adopted today.
Notable Quote:
"This is basically Germany in the 1930s, in the mid-1930s, to be clear, in terms of what the ruling party wants and is actively working on."
(15:08)
Global Comparisons: Russia's Authoritarian Measures
Pitzer draws a parallel with Russia’s establishment of the Rosgvardia under Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the dangers of a large, state-authorized force committed to suppressing dissent. She warns that similar structures in the U.S. could lead to widespread repression.
Notable Quote:
"A massive force authorized to commit state violence, serving the President directly is, is a recipe for repression."
(16:00)
Public Opposition and Systemic Challenges
Despite widespread public opposition to the administration's immigration policies, Pitzer explains the challenges in reversing these measures due to their deep integration into the system. She calls for increased public activism and engagement to counteract these authoritarian tendencies.
Notable Quotes:
"A majority of Americans are already against the President's tactics on immigration, as well as his defiance of US Courts."
(18:18)
"We need to press back and push Congress to take up its constitutional duties."
(19:03)
Strategies for Resistance and Community Engagement
Andrea outlines practical steps for resisting the administration's authoritarian policies. She encourages listeners to become court observers, connect with support groups, and hold law enforcement accountable. Emphasizing the importance of community action, she advocates for maintaining transparency and legality in opposition efforts.
Notable Quotes:
"Learn how to record ICE encounters. Learn about what is legal for private and for public areas."
(21:29)
"We can press back and push Congress to take up its constitutional duties."
(19:03)
Conclusion: The Power of Collective Action
Pitzer concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to show up, make their voices heard, and build a community of resistance. She emphasizes that widespread public engagement is crucial to preventing the further erosion of democratic institutions and ensuring a hopeful future.
Notable Quotes:
"There are already more of us than there are of them. We can recruit more people and we can stop them. But first we have to show up."
(22:45)
"I'm telling you that this is the mechanism by which Trump and his inheritors could keep a kind of indefinite control over the country. So we need to work on it."
(17:48)
Key Takeaways
- Historical Lessons: Understanding the similarities and differences between Trump’s rhetoric and that of historical dictators helps in recognizing warning signs of authoritarianism.
- Institutional Weaknesses: The decline of strong institutions in the U.S. has opened pathways for authoritarian figures to gain more control.
- Paramilitary Support: The rise of organized extremist groups poses a significant threat to democracy, mirroring historical paramilitary movements.
- Policy Threats: The expansion of ICE and the militarization of law enforcement represent tangible steps toward a police state.
- Active Resistance: Collective community action, legal resistance, and public accountability are essential to counteract authoritarian policies.
Final Thoughts
Andrea Pitzer's episode "The Same Damn Thing But Worse" serves as a stark warning about the current trajectory of U.S. democracy. By drawing historical parallels and highlighting present dangers, she emphasizes the urgent need for robust public engagement and institutional resilience to thwart the rise of authoritarianism.