For this reason, elected authoritarians who wish to consolidate control typically win not by flashy displays of might, but by convincing a critical mass of people that they’re just a normal politician — no threat to democracy at all.
That means the survival of democracy depends, to an extent not fully appreciated, on perceptions and narratives. In three recent countries where a democracy survived an incumbent government bent on destroying it — Brazil, South Korea, and Poland — the belief among elites, the public, and the opposition that democracy was at stake played a critical role in motivating pushback.
But that’s been met with “you have Trump derangement syndrome” or “that will never happen, you’re exaggerating” or 1000 variations for over a decade now.
If the horse won’t drink, you just keep leading it to water until it eventually gets thirsty.
Or just drown the fucker.
“Water is a democrat hoax. They put weird spy tech in it! Real men inhale hydrogen sulfide for hydration. It’s Trump approved!”
The horse will eventually drink as it must to survive.
You’re better off helping those that want to be helped