#444 — America's Zombie Democracy
In this episode of Making Sense, Sam Harris and George Packer examine the erosion of democratic institutions in the United States. Their discussion focuses on three key areas where traditional checks and balances are breaking down: the Justice Department's diminishing independence, Congress's surrender of constitutional powers to the executive branch, and concerning shifts within the military.
The conversation explores how corruption and ethical violations in modern politics have become normalized, with particular attention to the Trump administration's approach to accountability. Harris and Packer analyze the psychological and social mechanisms that allow democratic institutions to weaken without significant public resistance, including how widespread misconduct can shift ethical benchmarks and why political apologies often prove counterproductive in maintaining power.
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The Breakdown of Democratic Checks and Balances
Packer examines how democratic institutions in the United States are experiencing significant erosion, particularly in three key areas: the Justice Department, Congress, and the military.
In his analysis of the Justice Department, Packer points to its diminishing independence, citing the politically motivated charges against James Comey as evidence of the department functioning more like a "personal police force" for the president. He notes that this marks a departure from post-Watergate norms of maintaining the department's independence.
Regarding Congress, Packer observes a concerning trend where the legislative branch has essentially surrendered its constitutional powers to the executive branch. This has allowed the president unprecedented control over taxation through tariffs and spending decisions, even when they conflict with congressional appropriations.
The Normalization of Corruption and Self-Interest
Sam Harris and George Packer discuss the unprecedented level of corruption in the Trump administration. Harris points out that the Trump family has allegedly profited billions from the presidency, with foreign agents paying them directly. They note how this differs from previous scandals, such as Hillary Clinton's speaking fees, which involved far less money but received significant criticism.
Packer observes a striking shift in how ethical violations are handled. While previous administrations at least maintained a facade of ethical behavior, the current administration views shamelessness as a "superpower" against accountability.
Psychological and Social Factors Enabling Democratic Erosion
Harris and Packer explore how democratic institutions can be undermined without significant public resistance. They describe an "eerie normality" where citizens remain largely indifferent to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.
The hosts discuss how widespread misconduct leads to shifting ethical benchmarks, making it increasingly difficult to provoke public outrage. Harris notes that public apologies often backfire in politics, leading to increased attacks rather than redemption. Packer adds that this dynamic creates a situation where politicians who refuse to acknowledge wrongdoing often maintain power more effectively than those who take responsibility for their actions.
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Clarifications
- James Comey is a former FBI Director known for investigating political figures, including during the 2016 election. Charges against him are seen as politically motivated because they appear intended to discredit him and undermine investigations into the president. This politicization breaks the tradition of the Justice Department operating independently from political influence. Such actions threaten the impartiality essential for democratic accountability.
- "Post-Watergate norms" refer to the standards and practices established after the Watergate scandal in the 1970s, which emphasized the independence of the Justice Department from political influence. The Watergate scandal involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up by President Nixon's administration, leading to his resignation. In response, reforms were enacted to ensure the Justice Department could investigate the executive branch without interference. These norms aimed to protect democratic accountability and prevent abuses of power.
- Congress holds the constitutional power to levy taxes and allocate federal spending through laws it passes. This power ensures legislative oversight and limits the president's ability to unilaterally control government finances. When Congress "surrenders" these powers, it allows the executive branch to impose tariffs or direct spending without legislative approval. Such a shift undermines the system of checks and balances designed to prevent concentration of power.
- The Trump family allegedly profited from the presidency through business deals involving their hotels, properties, and licensing agreements that attracted foreign diplomats and officials. "Foreign agents paying them directly" refers to foreign governments or representatives spending money at Trump-owned businesses, potentially to gain favor or influence. This raised concerns about conflicts of interest and violations of the Emoluments Clause, which prohibits U.S. officials from receiving gifts or payments from foreign states without congressional approval. Critics argue these payments blurred the line between public service and private profit.
- Hillary Clinton faced criticism for accepting paid speeches from corporations and financial institutions, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. However, the amounts involved were relatively modest compared to the alleged billions profited by the Trump family. The Trump administration's corruption claims include direct payments from foreign agents, suggesting a deeper entanglement with foreign influence. This scale and nature of financial gain mark a significant departure from previous political controversies.
- Shamelessness as a "superpower" means politicians avoid consequences by refusing to show remorse or admit mistakes. This behavior disrupts traditional accountability, as voters and institutions struggle to enforce norms when wrongdoers act unapologetically. It exploits public fatigue with scandals, making outrage less effective. Ultimately, it allows unethical leaders to retain power despite misconduct.
- Democratic erosion refers to the gradual weakening of democratic institutions and norms that uphold accountability, rule of law, and separation of powers. It often manifests through the concentration of power in one branch of government, undermining checks and balances. This can include politicizing independent agencies, weakening legislative oversight, and normalizing unethical behavior. Over time, these changes reduce transparency and public trust in democracy.
- Shifting ethical benchmarks mean that as misconduct becomes common, society gradually accepts behaviors once seen as unacceptable. This normalization lowers public sensitivity to wrongdoing, reducing outrage. Over time, people expect less accountability from leaders. Consequently, scandals provoke weaker reactions, allowing unethical behavior to persist.
- Public apologies in politics can backfire because they provide opponents with new material to attack and question the politician's integrity. Admitting fault may be perceived as weakness, reducing the politician's perceived strength or authority. Voters sometimes prefer confident denial over admission, interpreting apologies as signs of incompetence or guilt. This dynamic discourages accountability and encourages deflection or silence instead.
- Acknowledging wrongdoing can signal weakness or guilt, which opponents exploit to undermine a politician's credibility. Refusing to admit fault projects strength and defiance, appealing to supporters who value loyalty and resilience. This dynamic discourages accountability, as admitting mistakes often leads to political damage, while denial can preserve power. Over time, it shifts public expectations, normalizing evasiveness and reducing pressure for ethical behavior.
Counterarguments
- The Justice Department's actions could be interpreted as part of a broader debate on the balance between executive power and judicial independence, with some arguing that certain actions may be justified in the context of national security or legal strategy rather than purely political motives.
- The notion that Congress has surrendered its powers could be countered by highlighting instances where Congress has pushed back against executive actions or where the courts have upheld congressional prerogatives.
- The level of corruption in the Trump administration could be compared to historical instances of corruption to argue that while troubling, it may not be entirely unprecedented.
- The criticism of the Trump family profiting from the presidency could be met with arguments that the extent of this profiting is not fully transparent and that similar conflicts of interest have been present in past administrations.
- The comparison between the Trump administration's alleged corruption and Hillary Clinton's speaking fees could be challenged by arguing that each case has its own context and complexities that make direct comparisons difficult.
- The idea that shamelessness is used as a "superpower" could be countered by suggesting that what is perceived as shamelessness may be a different approach to public relations and media strategy that resonates with certain voter bases.
- The concept of "eerie normality" and public indifference could be challenged by pointing out that there are active and vocal groups within society that are deeply concerned about democratic erosion and are working to counteract it.
- The assertion that public apologies backfire in politics could be met with examples where apologies have been effective in mitigating scandals or restoring public trust.
- The claim that politicians who refuse to acknowledge wrongdoing maintain power more effectively could be countered with historical examples where accountability and transparency have bolstered public support for politicians.
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The Breakdown of Democratic Checks and Balances
Packer examines the current state of democratic checks and balances in the United States, focusing on the perceived erosion of the separation of powers, and the politicization of key institutions such as the Justice Department, Congress, and the military.
Erosion of Justice Department's Independence From Political Influence
Justice Department as President's "Personal Police Force," Targets Political Enemies Through Prosecution
Packer discusses instances where the Justice Department appears to have acted under political influence, noting the filing of charges against James Comey. These charges seemed politically motivated, especially as previous prosecutors had declined to proceed, and were filed by a prosecutor seen to be compliant with President Trump's wishes. The targeting of political enemies through federal prosecution is suggested to underscore the president's use of the Justice Department in a manner akin to a "personal police force."
The stress experienced by those targeted, regardless of final verdicts, highlights the issue of a potentially unaccountable presidential power and the erosion of the rule of law—a principle that has been respected to various degrees by presidents following the Watergate scandal. The blurred lines between what President Trump desires and what his attorney general acts on imply a significant breakdown in the Justice Department's independence.
Ceding Congressional Power To the Executive Branch
Congress Fails to Check Presidential Power Over Taxation, Spending, and Oversight
Packer observes that Congress has fundamentally stopped asserting its constitutional prerogatives. This ceding of power to the executive branch by Congress has meant that President Trump has the freedom to tax via tariffs, spend or refrain from spending funds—even when appropriated by Congress—and to cancel programs legislated by Congress. Packer notes that this issue is not limited to one party, ...
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The Breakdown of Democratic Checks and Balances
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Counterarguments
- The Justice Department's actions may be interpreted through a legal rather than political lens, with decisions based on evidence and law rather than political allegiance.
- Charges against political figures like James Comey could be seen as part of the legal process where no one is above the law, rather than a misuse of power.
- The independence of the Justice Department may still be intact, but the perception of its erosion could be due to a more contentious political climate and increased scrutiny.
- Congressional ceding of power to the executive may reflect a broader trend of executive aggrandizement seen across multiple administrations, rather than a unique failure of the current Congress.
- Some may argue that the use of tariffs and control over spending by the President is within the scope of the executive's constitutional powers and necessary for responding to fast-changing economic and geopolitical realities.
- The deployment of troops within the United States has historical precedent and could be argued as a ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the checks and balances of the U.S. government by reading the Constitution and contemporary analyses to better understand the separation of powers. By doing so, you'll gain a foundational grasp of how the government is supposed to function, which will allow you to critically assess current events against these standards. For example, you might read "The Federalist Papers" for historical context and then compare them with recent articles from legal scholars discussing the current state of executive power.
- Start a habit of contacting your congressional representatives to express concerns about the balance of power between the branches of government. This can be as simple as setting a monthly reminder to send an email or make a call to your senators and representative's offices. In your communications, you can cite specific instances where you believe the executive branch is overstepping its bounds, using your newfound knowledge from the Constitution and legal analyses.
- Engage in community discussions, such ...
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The Normalization of Corruption and Self-Interest in Government
Sam Harris and George Packer delve into what they see as the increasing normalization of corruption and self-interest within the government, especially during the Trump administration. They discuss the shift from upholding ethical standards to embracing shamelessness as a defense against accountability.
Blatant Self-Dealing and Corruption of the Trump Administration
Trump Family's Profit From Presidency With Little Public Outcry or Consequences
Harris highlights the shocking level of corruption with Trump and his enablers due to its overt nature. The Trump family has been accused of raking in billions of dollars, with foreign agents and criminals allegedly able to pay them directly. Furthermore, the Trump administration is accused of manipulating US trade policy and foreign policy to extort tribute from other nations. Harris also compares this to the situation with Hillary Clinton's speaking fees, where she faced criticism for profiting far less from her past government role.
Shift From Upholding Ethical Standards
Past Administrations Feigned Integrity, While the Current one Views Shamelessness as a "Superpower" Against Accountability
In their discussion, Harris and Packer express concern over the indifference of some people towards Trump's extensive documented lies and corruption. They observe that the blatancy of Trump's actions seems to provid ...
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The Normalization of Corruption and Self-Interest in Government
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Counterarguments
- The perception of corruption and self-interest in government is subjective and can be influenced by political bias; some may argue that what is seen as corruption is actually a different approach to governance.
- The claim that the Trump family profited billions from the presidency may be exaggerated or lack sufficient evidence; accurate financial gains should be assessed and presented with clear evidence.
- Public outcry is not always a measure of the legality or ethics of actions; lack of public outcry could be due to a variety of factors, including media bias or public fatigue.
- Allegations of direct payments from foreign agents and criminals to the Trump family require thorough investigation and legal scrutiny to substantiate.
- The manipulation of US trade and foreign policy for personal gain is a serious accusation that would necessitate proof and due process to confirm.
- Comparing the Trump family's profits to Hillary Clinton's speaking fees may not be a direct comparison, as the contexts and details of their respective situations differ.
- Past administrations' integrity and ethical standards are also subject to scrutiny, and it's possible that they too engaged in questionable practices that were less visible or well-documented.
- The idea of shamelessness as a " ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal accountability by keeping a decision journal where you record the reasons behind your significant choices. This practice encourages you to reflect on your motivations and consider the ethical implications of your actions. For example, if you decide to take on a freelance project, note down not just the potential income but also any conflicts of interest or ethical dilemmas it might present.
- Develop a habit of fact-checking information before sharing it with others to combat indifference to falsehoods. Use tools like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or even Google's reverse image search to verify the authenticity of news stories, images, and claims you come across. By doing this, you contribute to a culture of truth and discourage the spread of misinformation.
- Create a personal code of ethics to guide your behavior in various aspec ...
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Psychological and Social Factors Enabling Authoritarian Erosion Without Outcry
Harris and Packer delve into the complex psychological and social dynamics that allow democratic institutions to be undermined without significant public objection.
"Eerie Normality" Despite Democratic Backsliding
Many Citizens Remain Oblivious as Core Democratic Institutions Are Undermined
In the current political landscape, Harris and Packer note that the revealing of the frequency and extent of Trump's documented lying and self-dealing might lead to a shift in what is considered acceptable behavior. This shift contributes to a sense of "eerie normality," where democratic erosion occurs, but many citizens remain oblivious or indifferent as core democratic institutions are steadily undermined.
Desensitization to Corruption and Shifting Ethical Benchmarks
The hosts describe a phenomenon in which, when misconduct becomes widespread and normalized, it can result in shifting ethical benchmarks. As a result, what was once considered egregious becomes less shocking over time, making it harder to provoke public outrage. This desensitization to corruption can quietly facilitate the acceptance of authoritarian behaviors.
Counterproductive Dynamics of Public Apologies and Accountability
Public Apologies Often Backfire, Triggering Attacks Instead of Redemption, Reinforcing Shamelessness
Harris discusses that public apologies by political figures often do not result in the redemption and forgiveness that we might expect from personal apologies. Instead, these public admissions of guilt or wrongdoing frequently lead to intensified outrage and further aggression from the public. This backfiring of public apologies contributes ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Psychological and Social Factors Enabling Authoritarian Erosion Without Outcry
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Clarifications
- "Eerie normality" describes a situation where serious political problems, like the weakening of democracy, happen gradually and become accepted as normal. People may not notice the changes because they occur slowly and without dramatic events. This acceptance dulls public concern, allowing harmful shifts to continue unchecked. It creates a false sense of stability despite underlying democratic decline.
- Desensitization to corruption occurs when repeated exposure to unethical behavior reduces emotional responses like shock or anger. This happens because the brain adapts by lowering sensitivity to negative stimuli to avoid constant distress. Over time, individuals may perceive corrupt acts as normal or inevitable, weakening moral judgment. Social norms also shift, reinforcing acceptance of previously unacceptable conduct.
- Public apologies in politics are strategic acts subject to public scrutiny and political consequences, unlike personal apologies which are private and relational. Politicians risk appearing weak or vulnerable, which opponents can exploit to undermine their authority. The public and media often interpret political apologies as admissions of guilt that can damage careers. Therefore, political apologies can trigger backlash rather than forgiveness.
- In politics, admitting guilt can be seen as weakness because opponents use it to question a leader's competence and strength. Voters often prefer leaders who appear confident and unyielding, associating apologies with vulnerability. Media and political rivals amplify admissions of fault to undermine public trust. This creates a strategic incentive for politicians to avoid apologies to maintain power and authority.
- Politicians who apologize may be seen as weak or vulnerable, inviting further attacks from opponents and critics. Admitting fault can undermine their image of strength and control, which voters often value in leaders. Conversely, those who deny wrongdoing project confidence and resilience, appealing to supporters who prioritize loyalty over accountability. This dynamic discourages genuine accountability and encourages shamelessness in political behavior.
- Authoritarian erosion refers to the gradual weakening of democratic norms and institutions by leaders who concentrate power and limit freedoms. It often happens subtly through legal changes, undermining checks and balances, and restricting media or opposition voices. This proc ...
Counterarguments
- While the text suggests that many citizens remain oblivious or indifferent to democratic erosion, it is possible that citizens are aware but feel powerless to effect change, leading to political disengagement rather than obliviousness.
- The concept of "eerie normality" may not fully account for the active resistance and outcry from various segments of the population, including civil society groups, activists, and opposition parties, who are vocal and active against democratic backsliding.
- The idea that public apologies backfire could be challenged by instances where apologies have led to political healing and accountability, suggesting that the context and sincerity of the apology may play a significant role in its reception.
- The assertion that politicians who deny wrongdoing avoid consequences might overlook cases where such politicians have faced legal or electoral repercussions for their actions, indicating that accountability mechanisms can still function in certain contexts.
- The text implies a general trend of desensitization to corruption, but this may not acknowledge the nuanced and varied responses of different demographic groups, some of which may become more sensitized and mobilized in response to perceived corruption.
- The notion that public admissions of guilt are perceived as weaknesses could be countered by arguing that in some cultures or context ...
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