How Racism Erodes American Democracy

October 1, 2020

“This is an extraordinarily dangerous moment for our nation, and with so much on the line in this upcoming election, we must unequivocally condemn positions and policies antithetical to who we are as a people.” Brookings President John R. Allen reflects on the president’s recent rhetoric and highlights three important points on the threats of white supremacy, vigilante violence, and systemic racism in America.

President Trump has repeatedly stated that he’s done more for Black Americans than any president since Lincoln, but his policies and rhetoric reveal a much different reality. From tax laws to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump is continuing a legacy of policy violence against Black Americans that the so-called “violence in our cities” could never match, argues Andre Perry.

Efforts to undermine the U.S. election are underway from inside and outside the country. Elaine Kamarck, Chris Meserole, and Darrell West identify the major threats to the election system, highlight lessons learned from 2016 to protect voters, and discuss the extent of disinformation and voter suppression prevalent today.

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