Rise of Trump as a Demagogue and Fall of American Democracy with Andrew Sullivan

Andrew Sullivan is a contributing editor at New York magazine and former editor of The New Republic. He's a longtime observer of American politics who does not shy away from provocative opinions.

In this compelling talk, we explore the societal and political shifts that have set the stage for Donald J. Trump's presidency. The talk delves into the collapse of traditional sources of meaning, the rise of secularism, and the increasing alienation among middle America. Highlighting Trump's exceptional demagogic skills, the video examines his rise to power, the manipulation of his base, and the consequent tribalism that polarizes the country. It also discusses the unprecedented power of the executive branch, the erosion of checks and balances, and the potential implications of Trump's refusal to accept electoral defeat, framing it as a crisis for American democracy.

00:00 The Collapse of Meaning in Modern Society
01:19 Cultural Isolation and Political Identity
02:24 The Rise of a Demagogue
05:03 Trump's Demagogic Abilities
07:19 The Zero-Sum Mentality
09:58 The Power of the Executive Branch
15:40 The Tyrannical Psyche
18:17 The Impeachment Crisis
20:00 The Final Point: Will He Leave?

Full lecture here: https://youtube.com/live/dJF-_95RvFk