that said, the regime has also made no effort whatsoever at consolidation & patronage, has actively undermined the economy, and just because we're in the cool zone doesn't mean this can't all rapidly spin apart.
Replies
Do you think getting over the line into authoritarianism is inevitable then? Is it enough to do all the authoritarian things and make all the authoritarian sounds, or does there also have to be a chance of actually consolidating power?
aug 25, 2025, 10:28 pm • 2 0 • view
I genuinely don't know at this point. Frankly, I don't think they do either. But they are 100% going to try.
aug 25, 2025, 10:29 pm • 3 0 • view
The other thing is, why would they need a big showy crackdown if they lock in permanent majorities in Congress and electoral college? It looks to me like they are pretty close on that goal. Judiciary, media. Next take away states rights for Blue states. It looks to me like a wide open path.
aug 25, 2025, 11:01 pm • 0 0 • view
Absolutely and soon enough we will all start to realize it
aug 25, 2025, 10:44 pm • 1 0 • view
finally, uncompetitive authoritarianism
aug 25, 2025, 10:34 pm • 1 0 • view
Consolidation mostly seems to be happening at the top, e.g. all Marco Rubio's jobs. That and patronage networks probably are taking shape lower in the ranks, but it's not as visible yet.
aug 25, 2025, 11:29 pm • 1 0 • view
i think we get to see what happens real soon when the treats run out
aug 25, 2025, 10:24 pm • 5 0 • view
If we were really in a critical situation, I think Merrick Garland would have come out and made a public statement by now.
aug 25, 2025, 10:34 pm • 0 0 • view
There’s been an absolutely unacceptable lack of resistance from anyone with even a shred of power (minus like, one or two extremely predictable people)
aug 25, 2025, 10:25 pm • 2 0 • view
I dunno seeing Tim Cook give Trump a bag of gold on TV makes me think patronage isn’t necessary if today’s oligarchs are willing to become vassals
aug 25, 2025, 10:26 pm • 4 0 • view