In this episode of 'This Old Democracy,' host Micah Sifry speaks with Ian Bassin, co-founder and executive director of Protect Democracy. They discuss the organization's mission to safeguard democracy in the U.S. against rising authoritarianism, the importance of civic engagement, and the need for political reform. Bassin emphasizes the multi-faceted approach required to combat authoritarianism, including legal strategies, grassroots activism, and legislative reforms. The conversation also touches on the current political landscape, signs of hope amidst challenges, and the moral obligation to uphold democratic values.

Special bonus moment: Bassin compares “Lord of the Rings” movement people to “Star Wars” movement people.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Protect Democracy was founded to prevent authoritarianism in the U.S.

• The organization focuses on protecting electoral integrity and the public square.

• Engaging the public is crucial for a healthy democracy.

• Legal strategies are essential in combating misinformation and protecting election officials.

• Bipartisan efforts are necessary for effective democracy reforms.

• The rise of authoritarianism is a global issue, not just an American one.

• Civic engagement can empower individuals to support democracy.

• The current political climate shows signs of both danger and hope.

• Reforming the electoral system is vital for better representation.

• Finding dignity in doing the right thing is essential for activists.

Read Ian Bassin’s recent Substack post, “The hard-won hope of the long defeat,” on Protect Democracy’s Substack: https://www.ifyoucankeepit.org/

And learn more about Protect Democracy’s work at https://protectdemocracy.org

In this episode of This Old Democracy, host Micah Sifry engages with author, documentary filmmaker and activist Astra Taylor to discuss the complexities of democracy in America. They explore the paradox of democracy, the historical context of its evolution, and the challenges posed by authoritarianism and the two-party system. Taylor emphasizes the importance of organizing and building institutional power to combat rising fascism and advocates for a more inclusive and transformative vision of democracy. The conversation also touches on the role of money in politics, the significance of youth perspectives, and the current political landscape, including redistricting strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Democracy is a process, not a destination.

• We must recognize the fragility of democratic progress.

• Youth perspectives on democracy are shaped by disillusionment.

• Organizing is essential to build institutional power.

• The Democratic Party can be a vehicle for transformation.

• Money in politics is a critical issue that unites many Americans.

• Redistricting strategies are becoming increasingly aggressive.

• A vision for democracy must be forward-looking and inclusive.

• Solidarity is essential for effective organizing.

• Good ideas must be revisited and re-energized over time.

Read Astra Taylor’s work, including:

Democracy May Not Exist, But We’ll Miss It When It’s Gone, MacMillan, 2020: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250231284/democracymaynotexistbutwellmissitwhenitsgone/

The Rise of End Times Fascism, The Guardian, April 13, 2025:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/apr/13/end-times-fascism-far-right-trump-musk

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In this episode of This Old Democracy, host Micah Sifry engages with Bill Kristol, an editor-at-large at The Bulwark, to discuss the current state of American democracy, the rise of authoritarianism, and the challenges posed by political polarization.

Kristol shares his insights on strategies to combat these threats, including the importance of civic engagement and potential electoral reforms like fusion voting. The conversation emphasizes the need for a collective effort to strengthen democratic institutions and the hope that arises from active participation in the political process.

Read Kristol's recent work on his Substack here: https://substack.com/@williamkristol

In this episode of This Old Democracy, Washington Post columnist Perry Bacon joins the podcast to discuss the state of American democracy, the increasing authoritarianism of the Trump presidency, and the weakening of independent institutions like the Supreme Court, Congress, the business community, and the media.

He and host Micah Sifry explore whether the two-party system contributes to political polarization and stifles new ideas, considering the potential for a multi-party democracy, fusion voting, and proportional representation. Perry also shares his perspective on what gives him hope amidst these challenging times.

In this episode of This Old Democracy, host Micah Sifry sits down with Dan Cantor, veteran political organizer and chief strategist at the Center for Ballot Freedom, to explore a once-common but now largely forgotten reform: fusion voting. Drawing on his decades of experience on the political left—and his recent work with moderate Republicans and Independents—Cantor makes the case that reviving fusion voting could help ease polarization, empower new political voices, and make our elections more representative and responsive.

Together, they delve into:

• What fusion voting is and how it works
• Why third parties struggle under current electoral rules
• The historical roots of fusion in 19th-century American politics
• How modern fusion parties could give moderate and cross-partisan voters more meaningful choices
• The legal strategy underway to re-legalize fusion voting in multiple U.S. states
• Why fusion voting could strengthen—not fragment—our democracy

Whether you're a political reform nerd or just frustrated with the current system, this conversation offers both clarity and hope.