Is is already too late to save US democracy?

In this week's The Lowdown, Nick Cohen asks Edward Luce - the Washing-based editor & columnist of the Financial Times - is it already too late to save the US? Trump is already trying to gerrymander the critical 2026 mid-term elections by demanding re-districting of states like Texas to produce more Republican states. Also, he repeatedly threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act to further threaten freedom, and sends ICE agents and troops into peaceful Democrat cities to intimidate them. Nick and Edward discuss the institutional purges, widespread corruption, and the chilling effect of Trump's personal vendettas on free speech and political opposition. Edward Luce, explores how Trump's presidency has eroded traditional American values and institutions, noting the widespread fear and self-censorship that has developed across society.

Fear stalks America

Luce says fear stalks the US and that the richest are the most afraid because they feel they have the most to lose. Trump's henchmen denounce Democrats as terrorists and traitors, while destroying the freedoms of much of the mainstream media. Edward says, " [Trump's] not only getting away with it, but sort of doing it so easily, steamrolling these guardrails, these traditions so easily... because he comes at the end of 20/30 years worth of declining trust in institutions, and of growing cynicism about institutions and about the media, not just about elected politicians."

No King's Day but no objective for the opposition either!

Luce says the US needs a Martin Luther King type figure to lead the opposition against Trump's growing tyranny, adding "What is it that the No Kings Rally (on October 18th) is demanding? I don't know. It's, it's saying Trump's a king. He's behaving like a king. He's doing what he likes. There's no restraint on him, all of which is true. But what's the deliverable here?"

Edward adds, "Democracy is about. Winning and winning is about building coalitions. And building coalitions is an additive game. You actually link arms with people you might disagree with on important issues like, for example, abortion, or gun control, whatever it might be, or taxes and you hold your nose and say, look, we've got something bigger in common here."

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Edward Luce @EdwardGLuce is Associate Editor, Financial Times, a US-based writer/columnist. Author of books including The Retreat of Western Liberalism, &, Time to Start Thinking.

Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond.

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Nick Cohen and historian and author James Hawes explore the rise of far-right sentiment in Britain and the Conservative Party's transformation, including their evolving definition of English identity and embrace of discriminatory immigration policies. Historical parallels were drawn between contemporary political events and pre-World War I era, with particular focus on the party's strategic shifts and potential mergers with right-wing factions. The conversation concluded with analysis of current political dynamics, including the challenges of governing under a first-past-the-post system and the implications of right-wing.

populism on British society.

The end of the UK is nigh

James predicts the Tories' lurch to the far right will inevitably lead to the brea-up of the UK, if, as he sees likely, Reform and the Tories enter into some sort of merger. An ethno-nationalist far right government is bound to boost the prospects of nationalists elsewhere in the UK, particularly the SNP in Scotland and Plad Cymru in Wales.

Rise of Far-Right Sentiment in Britain

Nick and Jim discuss the rise of far-right sentiment in Britain, highlighting events such as Tommy Robinson's march and Elon Musk's controversial statements. They examine how right-wing figures like Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick have embraced discriminatory immigration policies targeting black and brown migrants. Nick and James also critique the lack of pushback from the conservative press and party, while noting the emergence of pro-Palestinian sentiment and anti-Semitic attacks. They draw parallels to the Weimar Republic era, expressing concern about the current state of British society.

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James Hawes @jameshawes2 Renaissance man, historian, writer and novelist. James, the author of The Shortest History of England and The Shortest History of Germany. His latest in the series, The Shortest History of Ireland, out In the new year.

Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cohen talks to leading US political commentator Charlie Sykes about the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on American politics and conservative institutions, with Charlie sharing his perspective as one of the first "Never Trump" conservatives and discussing the erosion of traditional conservative values and principles. They examine how Trump's rise was connected to broader trends in right-wing politics, including the appeal to "own the libs" and the normalisation of previously unacceptable behaviour. They discuss their concerns about Trump's potential future political influence and the need for institutions, media, and individuals to push back against extreme political trends in both the US and U.K.

Conservatives voices must take on Trump & the radical right

Charlie says his fellow "Never Trump" Conservatives made a huge strategic error in confronting Trump and MAGA before the 2024 presidential election, saying, "I think it was a major mistake for much of the Never Trump movement to basically become Liberal Democrats. Because what happened is they were no longer speaking to those centre Right. Conservative swing voters. They were perceived to be simply just parroting the other lines. And by the way, take some responsibility. I'm a contributor for the Progressive network, MSNBC, and I think this is a real problem.

"The other problem was that during the Biden years, I think that one of the, the fundamental roles of the centre. You know, the centre should have been to keep the administration from, from going too far left on all of the issues on crime, on immigration, on the trans issue. And by the way, Democrats are still deeply in denial."

You have to stop Farage now - before it's too late

Charlie Sykes warns the UK that Nigel Farage and Reform have to be stopped now before it is too late. Ciservative vocies must play their part in preventing the UK sinking into a Trump-like darknes, adding, " If in late 2015 if you had big conservative voices like Rush Limbaugh, not a fan, but if Rush Limbaugh would've told his audience, come on, people. Donald Trump's a joke. Donald Trump is not what we have fought for all these years. the best time to get these to stop these guys is on the launchpad before they achieve velocity.

"Maybe too late. but it's gotta be done early and it's gotta be done forceful because it's if you, if if you, if you don't do it now, it's gonna be exponentially harder a year from now. "

Charlie Sykes @SykesCharlie is a leading highly respected United States conservative political commentator who was formerly editor-in-chief and founder of the highly influential website The Bulwark. Charlie has been a leading Never Trump Conservative since Trump stood for the presidency in 2015. Charlie's Substack - To the contrary is a must read, and his regular podcast - also called To the contrary - a must listen. He has also been a columnist and author for the progressive channel MSNBC.

Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.