Authoritarianism Expert Responds to ‘Bone Chilling’ Moment at RNC

At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, a moment unfolded that left many uneasy. Republicans chanted “fight” shortly after GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump entered the auditorium. This chant was a reference to Trump’s gesture and word used while pumping his fist, right after surviving an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, over the weekend.

Radio host Dean Obeidallah shared a video of this scene on X, the platform previously known as Twitter. “Bone-chilling to see at #RNCConvention people chanting ‘Fight’ in unison with one arm punching in the air,” he wrote. “Instantly conjures up rallies from 1930′s Germany. There is no other way to put it.”

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University and author of “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,” re-posted the clip. Ben-Ghiat, who has consistently warned about the authoritarian aspects of a potential second Trump presidency, added her voice to the concern.

“You know what to do, Americans. We can avoid this nightmare. Never become resigned or fatalistic. That’s what they want,” she wrote, urging vigilance against authoritarianism.

Despite the attempted assassination, calls for reducing political rhetoric came from both sides. However, this appeal seemed to fall on deaf ears during the first day of the convention.

Trump mentioned he had altered his planned convention speech, which was originally a fierce critique of President Joe Biden. “It is a chance to bring the country together,” he told the Washington Examiner on Sunday.

Ben-Ghiat, however, remained skeptical. “The pivot delusion/propaganda point has returned! Sorry, but Trump’s idea of unity is everyone behind him or else. He tells his own supporters that if they vote for him and die ‘it will be worth it.’ No pivoting out of that,” she commented, highlighting the enduring concerns about Trump’s rhetoric and approach.