Heather Cox Richardson on the Survival of American Democracy

The historian blends lessons of the past to understand the current state of American democracy on The Maggie Daun Show  

What is the state of American democracy? Historian and author Heather Cox Richardson shares her unique blend of historical insight and contemporary analysis with Maggie Daun, host of The Maggie Daun Show. They also address the challenges facing the United States as voters approach a pivotal election. 

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LISTEN to the entire segment here:

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“Right now, we are in an existential standoff,” Richardson explains. “It’s not about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about those who support democracy versus those who want to overturn it.”

Richardson is a professor at Boston College and author of Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America. She references her book, and shares how America has arrived at this critical juncture after decades of eroding democratic guardrails. Richardson also points to a growing pro-democracy movement seeking to protect the nation’s values.

Daun and Richardson dive into a historical reflection, drawing on the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention. 

“Franklin’s humble acknowledgment that the Constitution might not be perfect, but necessary, served as a powerful metaphor for the need for humility in today’s political leaders,” Richardson says. “Franklin’s words remind us that democracy is not about a perfect system. It’s about continuous improvement, change, and compromise.”

And with the upcoming election just weeks away, Richardson also warns the stakes could not be higher. 

“This is one of those crucial moments in the survival of American democracy,” she says. “We will soon decide which vision of America will prevail.”