Governor Newsom's address dubbing "Democracy under siege" might pose a challenge to Trump's reign

In a bold and unexpected move, Governor Gavin Newsom's address to the nation tapped into the current zeitgeist, resonating with many amidst the ongoing political turmoil.

In a live broadcast adorned with the California and U.S. flags, Newsom declared, "Democracy is under assault right before our eyes." The moment he referred to, however, was not immediately clear. But the pieces began to fall into place as President Trump authorized the deployment of Marines and National Guardsmen in Los Angeles, granting himself the power to move these forces anywhere he deemed necessary.

On Wednesday, a top military leader confirmed that these forces could "detain" protesters, though not outright arrest them. Despite misleading reports from right-wing media, the majority of protesters have been peaceful. However, every would-be autocrat faces a critical moment where fear must be enforced with action to cement power. This moment poses a risk for the would-be ruler, as it also triggers rebellion and resistance.

The remaining days in Los Angeles may determine the future of America, as the military and protesters clash. How each group is perceived will shape the course of our democracy. If the military is seen as the aggressor, Trump risks losing support. Conversely, if protesters become violent, public perception could empower Trump further.

Mayor Karen Bass has voiced concerns over continuing raids, questioning if Los Angeles is being used as a "national experiment." The unfolding events in Los Angeles will likely set the precedent for the rest of the nation.

Steven Levitsky, a professor at Harvard University and author of "How Democracies Die," noted that it's crucial to shake off the shock of the last few months and rally behind national leaders. Newsom's address has garnered widespread attention, with millions tuning in, and hundreds of thousands following him on social media platforms like TikTok. Newsom's reach skyrocketed, whether you love his message or find it hilarious, thanks partly to its clarity and unexpectedness.

Newsom warned that Trump's strategy thrives on division, allowing him to seize more power and maintain control. From the front lines of the protests, it's evident that there are a small number of agitators and a large number of peaceful protesters. Trump has effectively created chaos and fear by portraying incidents as beyond local and state control, necessitating his intervention.

Trump's advisor Tom Homan stated, "It all depends on the activities of these protesters."

Welcome to this precarious moment, America. Even though Newsom's political aspirations remain unclear, Levitsky suggested that they might align with the democratic opposition.

Since his address, Newsom's online presence has become a force to be reckoned with, delivering a hilarious yet poignant counterpoint to Trump's administration. A recent poll by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 76% of Americans oppose the military parade Trump plans to throw for himself this weekend, including over half of Trump supporters. Separately, a Quinnipiac University poll discovered that 54% disapprove of how he's handling immigration issues, while 56% disapprove of his deportations.

Mia Bloom, an extremism expert at Georgia State University, cautions against raising too many alarm bells about authoritarianism at this time, as it could backfire for both Newsom and democracy. Instead, she urges peaceful protest, as seen in the Iranian Revolution of 1979 when protesters placed flowers in soldiers' barrels, shifting public opinion. Newsom has advocated for peaceful protest while emphasizing the gravity of this pivotal moment in history.

"Everybody who's not a Trumpist in this society has been taken by surprise, and is still groggy from the authoritarian offensive of the last five months," said Levitsky. "Maybe his political ambitions end up converging with the small d, democratic opposition."

Only time will tell if Newsom's words will inspire resistance and protect American democracy. But one thing is for certain: courage is indeed contagious.

L.A. immigration raids draw California Gov. Gavin Newsom back into the fight with Trump

Newsom, in California address, says Trump purposely 'fanned the flames' of L.A. protests

[1] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-07-23/gavin-newsom-addresses-nation-democracy-under-assault[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/opinion/newsom-trump-protests-military.html[3] https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/gavin-newsom-shows-democrats-what-leadership-looks-like-ncna1237244[4] https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/07/23/united-states-military-deployment-los-angeles-escalates-protest-tensions[5] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-07-23/gavin-newsom-addresses-nation-democracy-under-assault

Governor Gavin Newsom's speech to the nation suggested that democracy is under threat, as military forces were deployed in Los Angeles.
President Trump granted himself the power to move Marines and National Guardsmen anywhere he deemed necessary in Los Angeles.
A top military leader confirmed that these forces could "detain" protesters, though not outright arrest them.
The Governor of California, Karen Bass, voiced concerns that Los Angeles is being used as a testing grounds for police and immigration tactics.
The events unfolding in Los Angeles will likely set the precedent for the rest of the nation, according to Mayor Bass.
Harvard University professor Steven Levitsky noted that Americans should support national leaders during such critical moments, referencing Newsom's address.
Tom Homan, Trump's advisor, stated that the behavior of protesters will determine the military's actions.
Mia Bloom, an extremism expert, urged for peaceful protest and warned against raising too many alarm bells about authoritarianism.
Courage, according to Steven Levitsky, is indeed contagious, as only time will tell if Newsom's words will inspire resistance and protect American democracy.

Governor Newsom's address dubbing "Democracy under siege" might pose a challenge to Trump's reign