#439 — How to Lose a Democracy
In this Making Sense episode, Sam Harris and Damon Linker explore the evolution of American democracy and potential threats to its stability. Linker, who shifted from being a conservative voice at First Things magazine to identifying as center-left, shares his perspective on the changing political landscape and his growing concerns about authoritarian tendencies in modern politics.
The conversation examines various aspects of political transformation, from immigration policy to the potential for civil unrest. Harris and Linker discuss the rhetoric of key political figures, the use of law enforcement tactics, and draw comparisons between current American political tensions and historical periods of unrest in other nations. They also address concerns about how political violence might be used to justify expanded government authority.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 14, 2025 episode of the Making Sense with Sam Harris
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1-Page Summary
Damon Linker's Political Background and Current Views
Two decades ago, Damon Linker was a prominent conservative voice at First Things magazine, which Andrew Sullivan called the intellectual nerve center of the religious right. During the Bush administration, Linker's views began to shift, particularly due to his disagreement with policies on same-sex marriage and the Iraq war. Today, Linker identifies as a center-left liberal, largely driven by his growing disillusionment with the Republican Party's evolution.
Concerns About the Trump Administration's Authoritarian Tendencies
Linker expresses deep concern about what he calls Donald Trump's "tyrannical soul" and desire to be a strongman leader. Sam Harris joins in this critique, describing the rhetoric of Stephen Miller and the Trump administration as "appalling" and "frankly dangerous." On immigration policy, while Linker acknowledges Trump's attempt to reinstate rule of law, he criticizes the administration's heavy-handed tactics, particularly the use of masked, unidentified ICE agents, which he views as more of a "show of force" than legitimate law enforcement.
Fears of Unrest, Violence, and the Administration's Response
Looking ahead, Linker warns of potential escalating political violence in the United States, drawing comparisons to historical periods of unrest like Northern Ireland's Troubles and Italy's Years of Lead. He expresses particular concern about the Trump administration's potential response to civil unrest, warning that figures like Stephen Miller might exploit incidents of leftist violence as justification for invoking the Insurrection Act. Linker dismisses Miller's claims of organized left-wing terrorism as "delusional," but warns that such rhetoric could be used to justify authoritarian measures.
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Counterarguments
- Damon Linker's shift in political views could be seen as a reflection of personal growth and changing perspectives rather than a critique of the Republican Party's evolution.
- Concerns about Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies might be overstated or reflect a bias, as some of his actions could be interpreted as strong leadership rather than a desire to be a strongman.
- Sam Harris's criticism of the Trump administration's rhetoric could be countered by arguing that the administration's communication style is direct and unfiltered, which some may find refreshing and honest.
- The use of masked ICE agents could be defended as a necessary measure for the safety and anonymity of law enforcement officers in a highly politicized environment.
- The warning of potential escalating political violence in the United States could be seen as alarmist, and the actual risk might be lower than suggested.
- Historical comparisons to periods like Northern Ireland's Troubles and Italy's Years of Lead could be criticized as disproportionate, given the different contexts and factors at play.
- The concern about the Trump administration's potential response to civil unrest could be countered by the argument that strong measures might be necessary to maintain order and protect citizens.
- The dismissal of claims of organized left-wing terrorism as "delusional" could be challenged by pointing to specific incidents that suggest a pattern of behavior that warrants concern and attention.
Actionables
- You can foster critical thinking by starting a book club focused on political history and current events, which encourages members to explore different perspectives and understand the complexities of political shifts. By reading and discussing books that cover various political ideologies, historical political unrest, and the evolution of political parties, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence political change and how to navigate them in conversations and personal decision-making.
- Engage in active community listening by volunteering at local town hall meetings or community centers, where you can hear firsthand the concerns and opinions of your neighbors. This practice will help you develop a more nuanced view of the political landscape in your area and understand the real-world implications of political rhetoric and policies on your community.
- Create a personal "media diet" plan that includes diverse news sources across the political spectrum to challenge your own biases and broaden your understanding of different political narratives. By consciously selecting a variety of reputable news outlets and commentators, you'll be better equipped to critically analyze political claims, recognize alarmist rhetoric, and make informed decisions about your own political stance.
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Damon Linker's Political Background and Current Views
Damon Linker's political journey has taken him from a conservative thinker deeply embedded in the religious right to a moderate liberal who holds a center-left stance largely due to his disillusionment with the GOP.
Linker's Political Evolution From Conservative To Center-Left
Linker, a Former Religious Right Conservative, Became Disillusioned With the Bush-Era Gop, Shifting Center-Left
Two decades ago, Damon Linker stood firmly within the conservative camp. As an editor at First Things magazine, which Andrew Sullivan dubbed the intellectual nerve center of the religious right, Linker helped shape conservative thought. However, during the Bush administration, Linker's frustration with certain policies grew. The staunch opposition to same-sex marriage and the controversial Iraq war were turning points for him, prompting a significant ideological break from his conservative roots.
Linker's Current Political Stance as a Moderate Liberal
Linker Calls Himself a Center-Left Liberal, Largely Due to His Aversion to the Republican Party
Damon Linker now identifies himself as being a liberal, specifically aligning with center-left views. Over the past decade, although ...
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Damon Linker's Political Background and Current Views
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Actionables
- You can reflect on your own political journey by journaling about key events that have shaped your beliefs. Start by noting down significant political moments or policies that have impacted you personally and consider how your reactions to these events might have influenced your political evolution. For example, if you felt strongly about a particular election result or policy change, write about how that made you feel and whether it shifted your perspective.
- Explore the spectrum of political ideologies by attending local debates or lectures on different political views. This will expose you to a variety of perspectives and may help you understand the nuances between different positions. You might find yourself empathizing with viewpoints you hadn't considered before, much like someone might shift from one end of the political spectrum to another.
- Engage in convers ...
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Concerns About the Trump Administration's Authoritarian Tendencies
Sam Harris and Damon Linker express concerns about the authoritarian tendencies they perceive in the Trump administration's approaches to power and immigration.
Linker's Fear of Trump's "Tyrannical" Nature and Strongman Rule
Linker expresses concern about Donald Trump's apparent "tyrannical soul." He fears that Trump has a desire to be a strongman leader, broadly punishing perceived enemies. Linker worries that this authoritarianism could lead to suppressing dissent and that the administration might exploit leftist violence as a justification to achieve this.
Additionally, Sam Harris finds the rhetoric of Stephen Miller and the Trump administration to be "appalling" and "frankly dangerous." Harris states that such rhetoric increases tension and testifies to the callousness and delusion of power.
Linker's Critique of Trump Administration's Immigration Tactics
Though not explicitly mentioned in the excerpt, Linker and Harris critique the Trump administration's immigration policies. Linker adds context by acknowledging some perspective validity that Trump attempted to reinstate the rule of law regarding immigration. Despite this, he criticizes the heavy-handed manner in which these policies were executed.
Aggressive, Heavy-Handed Immigration Enforcement by Masked, Unidentified ICE Agents
Linker describes the use of ICE officers with masked faces and without visible badges as especially alarming. He suggests that this approach isn't standard law enforcement but is instead a "show of force." This aggressive method includes detaining individuals without proper charges, with some of those detained being legal immigrants or even American citizens.
Linker views these actions as a performance to satisfy Trump's right-wing supporters and to incite a reaction from the left. Such a r ...
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Concerns About the Trump Administration's Authoritarian Tendencies
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Counterarguments
- The Trump administration argued that strong immigration enforcement was necessary to uphold the rule of law and ensure national security.
- Some believe that the rhetoric used by Stephen Miller and the Trump administration was intended to prioritize American citizens' jobs and resources.
- The use of masked ICE agents could be defended as a necessary measure to protect the personal safety of law enforcement officers from potential harassment or violence.
- Detaining individuals without proper charges could be seen as a result of legal gray areas or miscommunication rather than a deliberate authoritarian tactic.
- The aggressive immigration enforcement tactics might be viewed as a necessary response to cities or states that declare themselves sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants, which the administration saw as a challenge to federal law.
- The argument that unjust laws should not be enforced could be countered by the perspective that laws, even if perceived as unjust by some, should be changed through legislative processes rather than ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the nuances of immigration law to better understand the context of enforcement actions. Start by reading simplified summaries or guides that explain the basics of immigration policy and law. This knowledge will help you discern between aggressive tactics and standard procedures, and you'll be better equipped to form your own opinions on the matter.
- Engage in local community oversight by attending town hall meetings or joining community groups focused on civil liberties. These groups often monitor local law enforcement and immigration enforcement actions, providing a platform for you to contribute to discussions and actions that address concerns about authoritarian practices.
- Create a personal code o ...
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Fears of Unrest, Violence, and the Administration's Response
The prospect of escalating political violence and chaos in the United States is giving rise to serious concerns, with Linker providing dire warnings about the potential aftermath and questioning the administration's readiness to deal with such situations.
Linker Warns Of Escalating Political Violence and Chaos
Concerns Over Escalating Far-left and Far-right Violence, Leading To Disorder and Economic Disruption
Linker has highlighted a concerning potential for the United States to spiral into civil unrest. He stops short of declaring it a "civil war,” instead drawing historical comparisons to periods like the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Years of Lead in Italy. He suggests parallels with the U.S., pointing to the possibility of tit-for-tat violence between radical elements on the far left and far right that could lead to widespread disorder and economic disruption.
Linker's Concern About Administration's Response to Civil Unrest
Linker Fears Trump Figures Like Miller May Use Leftist Violence to Invoke the Insurrection Act, Consolidating Power
Linker expresses particular alarm over the prospect of Trump and his allies, such as Stephen Miller, seeking pretexts to clamp down on political dissent. He is concerned about the administration capitalizing on isolated incidents of violence by left-leaning individuals as a justification for extre ...
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Fears of Unrest, Violence, and the Administration's Response
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Clarifications
- The Troubles in Northern Ireland were a period of conflict between nationalist and unionist communities, involving political and sectarian violence. The Years of Lead in Italy were marked by political turmoil, terrorism, and social unrest during the 1960s to the 1980s. Both periods were characterized by significant civil unrest, violence, and political instability.
- The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a U.S. federal law that allows the president to deploy the military domestically in specific situations like quelling civil disorder or insurrection. It provides an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally limits the military's role in law enforcement within the country. The Act outlines conditions under which the president can use the military to address insurrection or domestic violence, either at the request of a state or unilaterally under certain circumstances. It has been amended over time to address different threats and situations, including protecting civil rights.
- Stephen Miller is an American political advisor known for his far-right views and association with the Trump administration. He has held significant roles in the White House, focusing on policy and homeland security. Miller has been linked to controversial stances on immigration and has been a key figure in shaping Trump's political strategies.
- A militaristic power grab typically involves a government or leader using military force or the threat of force to seize control or expand their authority beyond what is constitutionally allowed. This can include deploying troops in civilian are ...
Counterarguments
- The administration may argue that it is fully prepared to handle civil unrest, with comprehensive plans and resources in place to ensure public safety and order.
- It could be argued that the potential for violence is not as widespread as Linker suggests, and that most political activism remains peaceful and within the bounds of lawful expression.
- Some may contend that drawing parallels with historical periods of unrest in other countries is not entirely appropriate, given the unique political, social, and legal context of the United States.
- There could be a perspective that the administration's consideration of the Insurrection Act is a constitutional prerogative intended to protect citizens and property, rather than a power grab.
- Officials might argue that any measures taken by the administration in response to violence are proportionate and necessary to maintain law and order, rather than being extreme actions.
- It might be suggested that concerns over the administration exploiting violence are speculative and that any actions taken would be in response to actual conditions on the ground.
- Some may believe that dismissing claims of organized ...
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