The Character of Democratic Despotism

We discuss the character of democratic despotism as it is described by Alexis de Tocqueville and exhibited in America today.

Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines.

Leading Off (1:13) - We discuss the conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Links: AP news story; CNN story on Maxine Waters remarks; Susan Crabtree at Real Clear Politics on policing reform efforts.

Required Reading (6:52) - We conclude our study of Democracy in America as Professor Corbin leads us through the last three chapters in the work on the character of democratic despotism with some reflections from the preface of Tocqueville’s other major work The Old Regime and the French Revolution.  

Headlines (39:37) - We revisit the reopening of America, discussing mask mandates and vaccines in light of Tocqueville’s account of democratic despotism. Links: President Biden on ‘Neanderthal thinking’; CDC Covid data; Jim Geraghty on the ‘Texas Maskless Apocalypse’; Philip Klein at National Review; President Biden on vaccines and masks; Rand Paul on Fox News.

Open the Gradebook (49:33) - April is a month noteworthy for unique state holidays. In honor of this, we grade the traditions that surround Patriots Day (MA & ME), Mardi Gras (LA & AL), and Arbor Day (NE). Link: regional holidays.

Tocqueville's Crystal Ball (54:50) - Last week, Dave’s soccer picks went well; Matt’s not so much. On the season, Dave is now 21-13, while Matt is 14-20. With the NFL draft coming up, we predict the landing places of the top five quarterbacks.     

Opening and closing music is from the beginning of "Happy Life" by Ryan Andersen from his 2018 album, Americana volume 1. Available here. Licensed by Creative Commons.

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Matt Parks is an Associate Professor of Politics at The King’s College in New York City. David Corbin is a Professor of Politics and the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. All views expressed in this podcast are their own.