President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump squared off last night in the first presidential debate. Both candidates demonstrated their most significant weaknesses: Biden’s advancing age and Trump’s chronic dishonesty, which could have severe implications for the nation.
After watching the debate, listening to the careful analysis, and reading seasoned political journalists, one consistent theme emerged: American democracy is on a razor’s edge.
President Biden could have had a better night. He often seemed disengaged and unable to refute Trump’s lies.
Critics point to the president’s age as a reason for him to step aside and be replaced by a younger candidate. However, age alone must not be the sole reason for considering another candidate.
There are other factors.
If the former president successfully wins a second term, no one has to imagine what policies he will enact. Trump admires autocratic dictators like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Viktor Orban, and Xi Jinping.
In his own words, Trump declared he would be a dictator on “day one.” Think about that line for a moment.
Millions of Americans are willing to support a candidate who openly declares he will be a dictator. Another name for a dictator could be “king.” If I am not mistaken, Americans have already fought an entire war to thwart such centralized power.
Coupled with Trump’s dictatorial aspirations is the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025.” This extreme conservative plan seeks to replace democratic values with a centralized authoritarian government. The plan is extensive, but in summation, it will “crack down intensely on immigration, vanquish LGBTQ+ and abortion rights, diminish environmental protections, overhaul financial policy, and take aggressive action against China.”
In addition to these draconian efforts, policies will be enacted perpetuating systemic racism and emphasizing white Christian nationalism. Mass incarceration and the militarization of policing will intensify, primarily affecting underrepresented and lower-income communities. Christian nationalism will be advanced as the favored religion by the state, imposing laws based upon conservative interpretations of the Bible instead of the U.S. Constitution.
After last night’s debate, it certainly seems as though America is creeping ever closer to replacing democracy with a dictatorship. However, efforts are currently being made to counter the rise of authoritarianism and Christian nationalism.
Good Faith Media is proud to join partners in countering totalitarianism and Christian nationalism. Many of our fellow citizens and people of faith reject efforts made by the extreme right. Conservatives and liberals alike are joining forces to thwart the attempt to dismantle democracy.
After last night’s debate, though, there is a burning question: Is the current course effective or does it need to be corrected? As political pundits continue to debate the need for change, everyone needs to keep in mind the high stakes we are facing.
Again, American democracy rests on a razor’s edge.
Thankfully, I am proud to work for an organization that will continue championing an inclusive and just gospel, a faith practice that thrives within a strong democracy. I am inspired by the work of my colleagues at GFM along with our two initiatives, The Raceless Gospel and Faith and Democracy.
Each day, I am thankful to work alongside colleges and organizations, helping bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. As democracy hangs in the balance, we must all do our part to ensure a tomorrow where every child of God is seen and valued.
Only then can we move from a razor’s edge to solid ground.
