Romney, Leapour Discuss US Democracy’s Future

Romney, Leapour Discuss US Democracy’s Future at Harvard Event

Harvard University hosted a significant event this spring, celebrating America’s 250th birthday and digging into the current state of democratic governance. The discussion featured Senator Mitt Romney and Professor Jill Lepore, exploring historical shifts within the Republican party, the challenges facing American democracy, and potential pathways forward.

A Look Back at Party Evolution

The conversation began by examining the transformation of the Republican party, referencing a 1964 clip from the Democratic National Committee that featured warnings about Barry Goldwater’s nomination. The clip included criticisms from prominent Republicans like Governor Nelson Rockefeller and Governor William Scranton, as well as a statement from George Romney, Mitt Romney’s father, who called Goldwater’s nomination a potential “suicidal destruction of the Republican party.” Professor Lepore asked Senator Romney to reflect on how the party has changed since that era.

Senator Romney noted that the party evolved over time, becoming what he termed “Reagan Republicans” and later “Bush Republicans.” However, he believes a more significant departure has occurred in recent years, with President Trump representing a “dramatic departure” from the party his father would have recognized. Romney attributed this shift, in part, to changing demographics.

He explained that in 2012, about 40% of Republicans and Democrats were high school educated, with the rest being college-educated. Today, he stated, the Republican party is “almost two-thirds high school educated,” while the Democratic party has become “dramatically more college educated.” Romney suggested that issues like “defund the police,” “open borders,” and “transgender males competing in girls sports” have driven working-class voters from the Democratic party to the Republican party, leading to a shift in the parties’ orientations and policies.

Challenges to Democratic Governance

The discussion then moved to the core elements of democratic governance: meaningful competition for power, citizen participation, and responsive government. Senator Romney highlighted several challenges threatening the functioning of liberal democracy.

He referenced historical charts showing the rise and fall of civilizations, noting that authoritarianism is the “default setting of world history” and that even great empires eventually collapse. The American experiment, he argued, was a departure, aiming for self-governance.

Romney identified specific modern challenges. He pointed to the primary process, where fewer people participate, leading candidates to appeal to the more engaged, often more extreme, elements of their parties. He also cited the impact of social media, which curates news and prevents a shared understanding of facts.

The influence of “multi-billionaires” who can inject vast sums into campaigns was another concern. Romney observed a shift in the balance of power between branches of government. He noted that the legislative branch often follows the president’s lead, and the judiciary has become increasingly politicized due to changes in confirmation processes, leading to judges being viewed through a partisan lens.

Income Inequality and Polarization

Professor Lepore introduced data showing rising income inequality and political polarization in Congress, both of which have reached historic highs. She questioned the relationship between these two trends, noting that while there’s no consensus on causation, they characterize the current era.

Senator Romney expressed that he had not seen or heard this correlation discussed during his time in public service. He argued that while income inequality exists, the primary drivers of polarization are different. He believes many people feel the “American dream is not real for them,” citing college students burdened by loans and unable to find jobs.

This sense of unfairness, he suggested, fuels anger and division, rather than the wealth of billionaires like Elon Musk. He stated that the messages of political leaders, whether uniting or divisive, play a more direct role in polarization.

Addressing Urgent Issues

When asked about specific reforms to mitigate extremism, Romney emphasized that while polarization and income inequality are significant, they are not necessarily causally linked. He believes the greater danger lies in the parties’ adherence to extremes, which prevents addressing critical issues. He listed the nation’s $38 trillion debt, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for safeguards, and the lack of progress on climate and energy policy as urgent concerns being ignored.

Romney advocated for presidential leadership to bring parties together, citing bipartisan successes like the infrastructure bill, electoral count reform, and the marriage bill during the Biden administration as examples. He stressed the need for leaders who prioritize getting things done over simply getting reelected.

The Impact of Technology on Democracy

The conversation turned to the impact of technology, particularly social media and AI, on democratic deliberation. Citing a Gallup poll that links heavy social media use to a decreased belief in democracy and a greater acceptance of political violence, Professor Lepore inquired about solutions.

Senator Romney suggested bringing together experts to study these issues, referencing states that are restricting social media in schools or parents choosing to limit smartphone use for younger children. He also raised concerns about the legalization of marijuana and its impact on youth mental health, alongside social media’s effects. He noted that other countries, like China, are implementing measures such as time limits on smartphone use and pauses between posts on platforms like TikTok, which warrant study.

Regarding AI, Romney acknowledged that technological change often outpaces Congress’s ability to respond. He expressed disappointment that in Washington, decisions are often prioritized based on reelection prospects, leadership directives, and party interests, rather than the country’s well-being.

He felt that many politicians, particularly those of his generation, struggle to grasp the complexities of AI and its implications. He reiterated that strong leadership from the White House is crucial to set agendas and bring together private and public sector expertise to address these evolving challenges.

Source: HARVARD AMERICA 250 EVENT (YouTube)