1. Many believe that Trump is doing little damage because “institutions are constraining him.” That’s wrong. In a democracy, information flows & perceived reality are the foundation of political power. Trump is degrading truth & spreading conspiracy theories & lies. That matters.
2. Because of Trump, tens of millions of Americans falsely believe that the press is “the enemy of the people,” and that journalists routinely fabricate sources. It’s not true. But those tens of millions will vote based on that belief.
3. Because of Trump, tens of millions of Americans falsely believe that the FBI is “the deep state,” and that heroic public servants in law enforcement—even Republicans—only go after political enemies. It’s not true. But those tens of millions will vote based on that belief.
4. Because of Trump, tens of millions of Americans falsely believe that millions of people vote illegally. It’s not true. But those tens of millions will vote to restrict voting rights based on that belief.
5. Because of Trump, tens of millions of Americans have lost their bearings on what is true and what is false. Future politicians will exploit that disorientation for their own ends, and tens of millions of gullible voters will vote for them based on false beliefs.
6. American institutions are robust & are surviving the constant attacks launched by a weakened, desperate president. But in a democracy, the beliefs of the citizenry matter at least as much as the formal institutions in place. And Trump is poisoning the well with constant lies.
