Un-Trumping America Summary

What if the greatest threat to America was not Donald Trump himself, but the enduring legacy of Trumpism in the heart of the Republican Party?

1. Trumpism Outlasts Trump

Dan Pfeiffer argues that Trump may be unique, but the ideology of "Trumpism" is here to stay. Trumpism revolves around a set of tactics rather than coherent beliefs: racial divisiveness, unrelenting lies, disdain for the press, propaganda efforts, and a win-at-all-costs mentality. These characteristics have united previously divided factions within the Republican party, bringing establishment figures and extreme Tea Party proponents together under one banner.

Trump’s unique abilities – from manipulating public attention to consolidating Republican loyalty – amplify these divisive tactics. He has successfully married the Republican establishment’s love for power with the Tea Party’s anti-establishment zeal, creating a new party culture driven by fear and division. This unity is likely to persist, even beyond Trump’s time in office.

Pfeiffer highlights this as the core reason Democrats cannot sit back and assume Trump is an anomaly. The ideology he represents continues to shape Republican priorities and threatens to outlast his presidency.

Examples

• Trump’s continued ability to retain support, even after numerous scandals, shows the pervasiveness of Trumpism.
• Republican consolidation under leaders like Mitch McConnell reflects their embrace of this ideology.
• The Tea Party’s transformation into the influential Freedom Caucus is a direct precursor to Trumpism.

2. Republicans Play Dirty; Democrats Value Principles

Pfeiffer outlines a stark difference between the two major political players in America. For Republicans, gaining and consolidating power is the ultimate aim. For Democrats, power is seen as a tool to implement fair policies. This fundamental misalignment often puts Democrats at a disadvantage.

He recalls when Mitch McConnell, during Obama’s presidency, chose to sabotage bipartisan cooperation on the 2008 financial recovery for political gain, knowing it would hurt the economy but help Republicans in polls. Democrats, by contrast, often advocate for risky but socially necessary reforms, such as Obama’s push for the Affordable Care Act, even at potential political cost.

This difference also manifests in voter suppression tactics used by Republicans for consolidation. Measures like gerrymandering and stringent voter ID laws target demographics favorable to Democrats and undermine the electoral process. Pfeiffer argues that Democrats must recognize this disparity in tactics and adjust accordingly if they are to level the playing field.

Examples

• McConnell’s refusal to issue a bipartisan statement on Russian election interference in 2016 exemplifies Republicans’ ruthless focus on power.
• Republican voter ID laws directly target African Americans, who tend to vote Democratic.
• The gerrymandering of electoral districts dilutes Democratic voting strength.

3. Democrats Must Unite for Meaningful Change

The Democratic Party isn’t a monolith; rather, it is a patchwork of organizations, unions, grassroots efforts, and state-level entities. This structure makes unity difficult, but Pfeiffer stresses the importance of collaboration to defeat Trump and his allies.

He suggests focusing on attacking Trump’s perceived strengths, like his record on trade and immigration, rather than his well-known weaknesses. For example, despite Trump claiming to be tough on immigration, several of his businesses have employed undocumented workers. Similarly, his trade policies often contradict his rhetoric, with many Trump-branded products still manufactured overseas.

The Democrats, Pfeiffer advises, must present a compelling alternative vision rather than framing the election as a referendum on Trump. Only by doing so can they rally support across diverse voter groups.

Examples

• Trump’s reliance on undocumented workers undermines his image as tough on immigration.
• The trade war with China contrasts with the continued manufacturing of Trump-brand products in the country.
• Democrats’ tendency to lean on traditional media, rather than modern communication strategies, weakens their reach.

4. Fixing the Political System to Ensure Fairness

Once in power, Pfeiffer insists, Democrats must prioritize electoral fairness. Republican voter suppression tactics, such as purging voter rolls and limiting early voting access, actively disenfranchise Democratic-leaning communities.

Steps like mandatory voter registration, expanding early voting, and potentially lowering the voting age to 16 could increase participation and counter these suppressive methods. Additionally, Pfeiffer advocates bold changes like adding statehood for Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, which would make the Senate more representative.

Another overhaul should target the Electoral College, a system that has allowed presidents with fewer votes to assume office in several cases since 2000.

Examples

• Stacey Abrams lost her gubernatorial race partly due to voter roll purges in Georgia targeting African Americans.
• Expanding early voting has been shown to increase turnout in previously underrepresented groups.
• The imbalance of Senate representation leaves 30 percent of the population controlling 68 Senate seats.

5. Campaign Funding Reform Is Essential

The Citizens United decision opened the floodgates for unregulated campaign funding, giving Republicans, with their wealthier donor base, an edge. Pfeiffer urges Democrats to reform these rules to re-level the electoral playing field.

Implementing transparency measures like the DISCLOSE Act, empowering the Federal Election Commission, and creating Democratic fundraising systems akin to what Republican billionaires like the Koch brothers have done are steps to consider. Pfeiffer believes the Democrats must not shy away from using their power to fix these imbalances.

Examples

• Trump’s 2016 campaign benefited significantly from the lack of transparency in super PAC spending after Citizens United.
• A stronger FEC could better monitor electoral finances and violations.
• Democratic grassroots fundraising efforts like those seen during Obama’s campaigns serve as potential blueprints.

6. Reforming the Supreme Court

Trump’s appointment of two conservative justices to the Supreme Court may have long-term consequences for American law. Pfeiffer advocates expanding the Supreme Court to offset its current ideological imbalance.

Term limits for justices could also break the cycle of lifetime appointments, which tie the court’s direction to political power from decades ago. Furthermore, prioritizing court reform ensures important rulings like Roe v. Wade remain protected.

Examples

• Mitch McConnell blocked Merrick Garland’s nomination in 2016, setting a precedent Democrats must address.
• Public support for term limits on justices is significantly higher than for lifetime appointments.
• Past Supreme Court rulings like Citizens United highlight the dangers of ideological dominance.

7. Reducing Presidential Power

Pfeiffer emphasizes that a Democratic leader must voluntarily limit presidential power. The overreach seen during Trump’s tenure shows how easily such power can be abused.

He suggests repealing measures like Authorization for Use of Military Force and the National Emergencies Act, which expand presidential capabilities unchecked. Strengthening ethics laws, such as requiring presidents to release tax returns, would further ensure accountability.

Examples

• Trump’s declaration of a national emergency for his border wall funding highlighted these unchecked powers.
• The lack of presidential accountability for military interventions undermines Congressional oversight.
• Previous presidents voluntarily divested business interests, unlike Trump, prompting the need for enforceable rules.

8. Be Wary of Future "Competent" Authoritarians

Trump’s tenure should serve as a wake-up call. While Trump himself may be chaotic and inefficient, a future leader with similar authoritarian tendencies but greater competence could pose a more significant threat.

Pfeiffer argues Democrats need to future-proof the system against the emergence of such figures. By addressing systemic vulnerabilities now, they reduce the risk of authoritarian manipulation later.

Examples

• Trump’s frequent failures highlight inefficiency rather than an absence of authoritarian inclinations.
• Authoritarian tendencies are not unique to Trump but are present in other Republican leaders.
• Strengthening checks and balances reduces the opportunities for manipulation by future leaders.

9. Bold Vision is Key to Winning Over America

Pfeiffer recalls Obama’s 2011 rallying cry, insisting that Democrats cannot afford to play it safe. To inspire voters, their vision must offer a striking contrast to Republican politics.

Whether through policies to expand healthcare, modernize infrastructure, or improve education, Democrats need to focus on ambitious goals that resonate with the American public.

Examples

• The Affordable Care Act under Obama exemplifies Democrats’ focus on meaningful, risky reforms.
• Republican resistance to modernizing systems, like healthcare and voting, creates opportunities for bold new proposals.
• Clear regulations on gig economy companies can position the Democrats as champions for workers.

Takeaways

1. Actively participate in the democratic process by registering to vote, supporting local campaigns, or running for office.
2. Pressure representatives and officials to advocate for reforms like voter registration expansion and court term limits.
3. Use social media to share key policies and educate others on governmental reform efforts to motivate widespread change.