presidential elections & democratic resiliency

|| april, 2021

While the presidential election of 2020 served as a turning point in American history, it also became an opportunity for reflection and growth. At first glance, the overwhelming presence of misinformation, polarization, and threats to our constitutional democracy seems as though the takeaway from this election cycle is weakness present in our democratic nation. Yet, while this election cycle became one of the biggest challenges and served as a powerful awakening to our fundamental flaws, it was, above all, a powerful symbol of the resilience of American democracy. Amongst the fear, hatred, and divide, and amidst a global pandemic, we see pockets of hope, connection, and empowerment. Despite threats of disenfranchisement and voter suppression, we see the largest voter turnout in a century and the opportunity to engage in the political divide in various ways in our institutions and communities. Ultimately, the 2020 presidential election demonstrated the value of resiliency in our democracy to persevere even in the most challenging times.

There are two ways to analyze the presence of democratic resiliency: one within our institutions and another within the people. The first can be seen clearly within our institutional and government responses towards any prospective threats imposed by the Trump campaign throughout the election season. For example, the phone call transcript between Donald Trump and Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, regarding the election results’ certification proved to be overtly threatening to democracy. Trump not only insisted on the illegitimacy of Georgia’s election results by citing various conspiracies and false claims but went as far as intimidating Raffensperger in hopes of coercing him into support for his cause. Although Trump attempted various threats to ensure a false win in Georgia, Raffensperger’s refusal to comply with these threats throughout the phone call exemplifies values of courage, resiliency, and standing in support of a fair democracy. Another way we see democratic resiliency prevail in the response of our institutions and our government can be seen with the ruling for the Pennsylvania Election by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals against the Trump campaign. The report thoroughly explains the lack of evidence and various rationales on why the Campaign had no basis to receive the injunction pending appeal. However, the most notable aspect of the report: “Voters, not lawyers, choose the President. Ballots, not briefs, decide elections,” served as a powerful affirmation of the democratic principles instilled within our institutions (Washington Post, 20). These institutional responses are imperative to recognize that even when threats are posed to our democracy, strength, and resiliency to uphold our fundamental values persevere throughout this election.

Aside from how institutional responses throughout our election cycle pointed to America’s resilient democracy, the presence of resilience within our democracy is seen by the actions of the American people. Atlantic author Jeffrey Goldberg’s interview with Barack Obama in “Why Obama Fears our Democracy” provides a refreshing perspective on this election cycle. Obama expresses progress and hope amidst a time of fear and uncertainty, emphasizing President Biden’s ultimate win as a symbol and result of longing for improvement. There is no denying that we must address weaknesses in our democracy; however, this sentiment is a vital insight into understanding how threats towards American democracy are combated with resilience. Resilience becomes a powerful player in change. Although it is important to recognize that there are necessary changes to be made in order to combat the weaknesses seen throughout the election cycle, resiliency makes it possible for the American people to continue fighting, advocating and staying hopeful throughout and beyond election season.

This resiliency within individuals has also manifested into tangible and sustainable action. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences’ “Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century” report (one that I would HIGHLY recommend reading!) does just that. It focuses on addressing the political, social, and economic climates of current years. This resource responds to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and polarization leading into the general election. Its solutions to reinventing our democracy have stayed relevant in discussion beyond the election cycle. The recommendations shared within this report aimed at combating weaknesses within our democracy are incredible. However, it is the collective effort and action of finding ways to adapt to challenges in democratic civic life with action that serves as a symbol of resiliency. Reports such as these would not have been created if there was no optimism and hope present in the notion that our democracy has potential to be strengthened as a foundational element in American Society. Despite a presidential election filled with challenges and hardships, we see hope and a longing for betterment. Resiliency compliments weakness, and the 2020 election cycle has proved to us that resiliency in our institutions and our people can overcome anything.