The article critiques “reactionary centrists,” who claim to oppose extremes on both the right and left, for equating right-wing fascists with progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. It argues that this false equivalence undermines democracy and diverts attention from real threats posed by authoritarianism.
Jan Werner-Muller’s commentary is highlighted, emphasizing that while criticism of the left is prevalent, it should not lead to an oversimplified view that conflates progressive values with extremist ideologies. The article points out the dangers of maintaining an outdated political paradigm, especially in the context of a post-Trump world, noting that deviations from established democratic norms cannot simply be resolved through traditional means.
The author asserts that progressives often fail to recognize their role in the rise of authoritarianism and remain optimistic about a return to past civility. Instead, it argues for acknowledging deeper issues in American democracy, such as complacency in civic responsibility and the fragmentation of societal identity. The piece concludes with a warning against wishful thinking that belies the intensifying crisis facing the nation, suggesting that genuine change requires a critical reassessment of the political landscape.
