New York Magazine's Jonathan Chait weighs in on the evolving lexicon of America's fascism, yearning to breathe:
"On the narrow point of terminology, I largely agree that fascist should not be used to describe figures like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. Historians and political theorists have innumerable definitions of fascism — some narrow, others extremely broad. But most people understand fascism to mean a single- party state in which effective political opposition is impossible — or at least extremely dangerous. Neither Trump nor DeSantis is trying to build a system like this.
"What I do believe is that it’s accurate to describe Trump and DeSantis as engaging in and advocating authoritarian measures that weaken democracy without eliminating it altogether as a fascist would. A more limited and precise term might be democratic backsliding — a term I favor ... because it correctly conceives of democracy and dictatorship as existing on a continuum rather than in a binary. I think Joe Biden’s term, 'semi-fascist,' captures this well enough."
What Chait describes as "democratic backsliding" is more commonly known as a "hybrid regime."
I differ with Chait in that his term is too forgiving; the second, too imprecise, too obfuscating. He then allows for Biden's "semi-fascism," which I'm somewhat willing to accept, for what even minimal part of "fascism" would any person of conscience care to be associated with? What manner of man, for instance, would care to be known as a "semi-criminal"?
So in that sense, yes, I would settle for President Biden's definition of Trumpism, and DeSantis' still-unfolding authoritarianism. (Note: The governor needn't unfold much more, since his campaign book has been described as "scary" in its "bullying sense of superiority.")
Still, Merriam-Webster's definition of fascism seems more suitable for the two men's "political philosophy, movement, or regime": "[one] that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition." (Italics mine.)
This terminology's greater suitability comes into play when one considers both Trump and DeSantis' unmistakable emphasis on race, i.e., white nationalism and white supremacy. After all, their base is virtually all white — and impossibly rednecked. Hence their political movements conform to what I learned of "fascism" as a budding political scientist: it is most commonly a race-based ideology. Nazi Germany was, of course, the apotheosis of this particular definition — the exaltation of nation and race, as embodied in the slogan Blut und Boden, "Blood and Soil," Hitler's essence of a racial body and national territory.
I also question what, precisely, Chait means when he writes that "democratic backsliding" entails the weakening of democracy. January 6th was not about any such attenuation; it was a forceful, violent, total repudiation of democracy. As another Trump regime would be, after having rigged national elections in its party's sole favor. Remember: Democratic victories are always illegitimate, according to Trumpism, for "the people" would always quite naturally deny such victories in "fair elections," properly ensured by Trump Inc.
Finally, undeniable is that Trump and DeSantis's disciples are steeped in fascism's leadership principle; more darkly, the "cult of the leader," or the "cult of personality.” DeSantis may lack the latter, but his iron authoritarianism compensates. It is that which his followers adore. As post-WW II researchers discovered in their extensive interviews of "authoritarian personalities" — fascism's rank and file — they demand to be led, to be told what to think. Freedom, in all its unknown possibilities, is too frightening.
So let us be honest and, more so, clear-eyed. When we peer into the tanned, smiling faces of Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, we're looking at just plain, everyday fascism. You can add the "semi" if you wish, but that stipulation I have already covered, above.