Image credit Chloe S.
For years, conventional wisdom has told us that bipartisanship is the key to stability in American politics. That working across the aisle is necessary. That compromise is how we move forward.
But what happens when one side abandons democracy itself?
We are now in an era where the Republican Party, led by Donald Trump, has made it clear that they are not interested in governing for all Americans—only for their own power. The time for negotiating, for hoping reason will prevail, for believing in the old norms of democracy, is over.
If America is going to survive this right-wing authoritarian movement, it’s going to take more than traditional political opposition.
It’s time for a true Resistance Party.
No More Illusions of Common Ground
The Republican Party has transformed. This is no longer the party of Reagan, Bush, or even McCain. It is now a party that:
✔ Defends a twice-impeached leader who attempted to overturn an election
✔ Cheers on political violence while attacking democracy itself
✔ Openly embraces Christian nationalism and racial resentment
✔ Governs through judicial takeovers rather than legislative victories
The GOP no longer debates policy—it wages culture wars and vendettas. It does not seek common ground—it seeks total domination.
So why are Democrats and progressives still pretending there’s room for bipartisanship?
It is a delusional fantasy to believe that working with today’s Republican Party will produce anything but further erosion of democracy.
The Democratic Party’s Failure to Respond
While the Republican Party consolidates power by any means necessary, too many Democrats still cling to outdated ideals of civility and compromise.
✔ They believe in the old rules, even when Republicans break them.
✔ They seldom go on the offensive, even when democracy is on the line.
✔ They police their own side more harshly than they ever confront the right.
This weakness has cost the country dearly. From failing to codify abortion rights when they had the chance to refusing to seriously challenge judicial overreach, the Democratic establishment plays defense while the far right takes over.
The reality is clear: The Democratic Party, as currently structured, is not equipped to fight this battle.
No More Approvals—Deny Trump Every Nomination
If Trump returns to power, Democrats must refuse to approve a single one of his nominations. Not for judges. Not for cabinet positions. Not for a single post.
Why? Because the GOP does not play fair.
✔ Republicans blocked Obama’s Supreme Court nominee in 2016, inventing the excuse that it was an election year.
✔ They rushed through Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination in 2020, proving their hypocrisy.
✔ They have packed courts with ideologues, knowing full well that control of the judiciary is a path to unchecked power.
Every time Democrats agree to confirm a Trump nominee, they are handing over what little power they have left.
The GOP has made it clear: Their only goal is total control. There is no obligation to play by rules that only Democrats are expected to follow.
What a True Resistance Party Must Look Like
If we are to stop this slide into authoritarianism, we need a party that is not afraid to wield power as ruthlessly as Republicans do. A Resistance Party must:
✔ Stop normalizing extremists – Call out the GOP for what it is: a party that embraces fascism. Stop treating Trump and his enablers as just another political faction.
✔ Fight voter suppression with everything we have – Republicans have spent years dismantling voting rights. A Resistance Party must make expanding democracy its top priority.
✔ Challenge the courts aggressively – The right has used the judiciary as a weapon. A true opposition must expand the courts and refuse to accept illegitimate rulings.
✔ Stop self-censoring for the sake of “moderation” – Republicans do not hesitate to push extreme policies. Democrats and progressives must push just as hard in the opposite direction.
✔ Refuse to approve Trump’s nominees – No more giving in to “tradition” while the GOP packs the courts with loyalists. A Resistance Party must block every nomination outright.
✔ Make democracy non-negotiable – Any Republican who supports election lies, voter suppression, or authoritarian policies should be treated as an enemy of democracy. Period.
The Future Is Resistance or Defeat
The reality is there is no return to “normal” politics. The modern GOP is not a governing party—it is a movement committed to holding power by force, manipulation, and propaganda.
If those who still believe in democracy do not form a real and unrelenting resistance, the future of the United States will belong to those who reject democracy altogether.
This is not a call for compromise. This is not a plea for civility.
This is a call to fight back—before it’s too late.
