The Coalition for American Democracy

Time to reach out far and beyond the traditional political boundaries.

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It is both frightening and exhilarating to witness history in the making. President Joe Biden has demonstrated what it means to be a statesman and a patriot. The forthcoming presidential election will be the most consequential election in recent history for the US and the rest of the world, which looks nervously on.

All credit to President Biden. What a contrast between a man who was elected to the presidency and who decided to relinquish the role for a second time in the superior interest interset of the country and the nominee of the Republican Party who lost the election for a second term and who tried to orchestrate a coup to remain in power in his own selfish interest.

But, this ultimate civic sacrifice is only the first step in vanquishing the ogre of authoritarianism in the US and beyond. The hardest task remains ahead: defeating Donald Trump at the polls. Failing to do so would be forever giving up on the legacy of President Biden and all other US presidents who have come before him, devoted to the defence of the American Constitution and of American Democracy.

It seems probable that Vice-President Harris will now have to follow in the footsteps of her mentor and partner in power and defeat Donald Trump once again.

The Donald Trump of 2024 is not the same Donald Trump of 2016 or 2020. The Republican Party is lost and gone, forever taken over by Trumpism. The only thing remaining is its name, which, for the sake of clarity, should be changed. Victory for Trump this fall will not only condemn the United States to an uncertain period of latent authoritarianism but will cement the basis for a long-term political philosophy that will seek to dominate the US for years to come, with a young JD Vance ready to continue the work of Trump and his enablers.

The truth matters, as do words. Referring to "authoritarianism" is not only a mouthful, but it belies the true nature of Trumpism, which is fascistic and not only because of the numerous references to pre-second World War German-type vocabulary. Similar to Godwin's Law, we have cried wolf so often that it is almost too late when the wolf is actually in our midst. When the initiator of such a principle declares that, in Trump's case, the comparison is just and correct, maybe we should all wake up and realise that times are dire.

The reaction of the Republicans to Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race betrays their concerns and underlines their weakness. If the election is about Trump, winning will be all the more difficult. Notwithstanding the race to the gutter to wallow in the mud by calling on Biden to resign and by stating as Trump did that "Biden was the worst President ever" and "that he should never have been President at all" and "should have remained in his basement", such rhetoric is so baseless, disrespectful and hateful that it only serves to remind Americans of the nature of Trumpism based on division, hatred and lies.

It will indeed be a fight in the gutter as Trump and his cult followers have already indicated that they will use every means in their power to regain the presidency, and they will fall into the trap of attacking Vice-President Harris not only on her record in government but on her race and gender. The quaint notion of a born-again Trump promoting peace, love and unity for all Americans has gone down in flames during his 12-hour meltdown on the so aptly named "Truth Social" platform immediately after Joe Biden's announcement.

There are calls for Harris to prosecute the case against the felon candidate Trump as a representative of the people, referring to her long experience as a prosecutor. However, Harris will represent the people not only as a prosecutor but also as a defender of democracy and a true believer in the American Constitution. "We the people" are not only three words randomly juxtaposed, but they represent the power of every individual to decide their fate in a democracy. Freedom and liberty and the pursuit of happiness are likewise not vain concepts. This is what is at stake here: the freedom to decide over one's body, the right to vote, the right to economic well-being, and the right to a better future that respects the environment.

It is not a case of choosing between "kitchen-table" issues and fundamental rights. Emphasising both is equally important. Paying less for groceries under a dictatorship is not fighting for the working class, as the price may be acceptable but will be too high in terms of loss of freedom. Likewise, enjoying the fruits of democracy when you cannot pay for your healthcare because the price of medicine is too high is just as damaging.

The secret of beating Donald Trump is to turn the unflinching glare of the spotlight on him. He has always craved attention and gratification. Let us grant his wish and focus on him and him alone for the next 100 days. Let the bright light of truth and democracy illuminate him.

This is not solely the responsibility of the Democratic Party's future candidate or the Democrats. It is the responsibility of all Americans who are on the side of the Constitution, on the side of freedom and liberty, and the side of democracy. Traditional lines have to be blurred, and true democrats have to stop pretending that even if they are against Donald Trump and everything he represents, they cannot bring themselves to vote for the only other serious candidate on the ballot simply because he or she is a Democrat with a big "D". Writing in the name of your dog or your favourite cartoon character will serve no purpose whatsoever other than to satisfy your self-serving hypocritical ego and more importantly, may potentially make you an accomplice in electing a "one day dictator" and a life-long imperial President to office.

It is time to build a far-reaching and all-encompassing coalition for American Democracy.

The tent is not only large, it has to cover the whole country coast to coast. Republicans and Democrats alike, people from all political persuasions are welcome. Candidate Harris, if it is her, will be the standard-bearer of this Coalition for American Democracy. She would do well to include as many people as possible in her coalition and reach out to past and current Republicans, such as President George W. Bush and all the other Republicans who served President Trump in his first term but refuse to support him this time.

Give bipartisanship a new meaning and prove Joe Biden right that saving the soul of the nation is worth more than losing your soul by scrapping your knees on the ground before Donald Trump.