Corey Robin: Hope in Hard Times

As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, many liberals fear that American democracy won’t survive another four years of Trump. But political scientist Corey Robin reminds us that American democracy has been flawed since its constitutional founding – it is the structure of American government and elections that pose the greatest threat to democracy, not an individual. But although Trump could not have come into power without these structural advantages, we also have structure to thank for preventing him from accomplishing more of his campaign goals. Overall, Robin remains optimistic that democratic values and social movements will outlast the political figures that challenge them.

In this deep-dive interview on the history and structure of American democracy, Robin reviews the anti-democratic elements built into the Constitution, from the Electoral College to lifelong judicial appointments. He evaluates the effectiveness and dangers of the Trump presidency. And he provides an old-fashioned recipe to save and expand American democracy.

The Better Tomorrow Speaker Series features incisive conversations on the most pressing issues of our time. The project is a joint venture of the University of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and Kamehameha Schools.

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