How Republicans are using one state as a testing ground for hijacking an election for Trump
Digest
Rachel Maddow begins by recounting the horrific massacre of civilians in the French village of Orador by a Nazi SS Panzer division during World War II. She then connects this event to the Battle of the Bulge, where another German Panzer unit massacred American prisoners of war. Maddow highlights the shocking fact that a sitting U.S. Senator attempted to block survivors of the POW massacre from giving testimony in Congress, illustrating the influence of unrepentant Nazis in American politics at the time. She then introduces her new podcast, "Rachel Maddow Presents Ultra," which explores these historical parallels and the dangers of authoritarianism. Maddow argues that understanding these past events is crucial for navigating the current political landscape, where she sees a resurgence of right-wing extremism and a growing threat to democracy. She points to the recent European elections, where far-right parties made significant gains in France and Germany, as a warning sign of the global trend towards authoritarianism. She then interviews Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama, who echoes Maddow's concerns and emphasizes the need for political leaders to address the public's dissatisfaction with globalization and inequality. The conversation then shifts to the ongoing efforts by Trump and his allies to undermine the electoral process in Georgia, with a focus on their attempts to delegitimize the 2020 election results and manipulate the upcoming 2024 election. Maddow interviews Adam Ronsley, a reporter for Rolling Stone, who details the various tactics being employed by Trump and his supporters to rig the election in their favor. Ronsley highlights the alarming trend of Republicans using their control over state elections boards to implement policies that favor Trump and his agenda. The segment concludes with a discussion of Trump's recent campaign rally in Las Vegas, where he made bizarre and rambling remarks about sharks and boats, further highlighting his erratic behavior and the dangers of his continued presence in American politics.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and the host, Rachel Maddow. She begins by sharing the news that both her Saturday and Sunday shows are available as podcasts.
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The Massacre at Orador
This Chapter delves into the horrific massacre of civilians in the French village of Orador by a Nazi SS Panzer division during World War II. Maddow details the events leading up to the massacre, including the collaborationist regime in France and the French resistance. She describes the brutal methods used by the Nazis to kill over 600 civilians, including machine guns and burning them alive. She also mentions the few survivors of the massacre and the decision to preserve the ruins of the village as a memorial.
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The Battle of the Bulge and the POW Massacre
This Chapter shifts to the Battle of the Bulge, where another German Panzer unit massacred American prisoners of war. Maddow recounts the events of the ambush and the subsequent massacre of unarmed American POWs. She highlights the miraculous survival of some American GIs who played dead or hid under the bodies of their comrades. She then reveals the shocking fact that a sitting U.S. Senator attempted to block survivors of the massacre from giving testimony in Congress, illustrating the influence of unrepentant Nazis in American politics at the time.
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European Elections and the Rise of the Far Right
This Chapter focuses on the recent European elections, where far-right parties made significant gains in France and Germany. Maddow interviews Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama, who discusses the significance of these election results and their potential implications for the United States. Rhodes argues that the rise of the far right in Europe is a warning sign of the global trend towards authoritarianism and that incumbent parties need to address the public's dissatisfaction with globalization and inequality.
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Trump's Efforts to Rig the 2024 Election in Georgia
This Chapter examines the ongoing efforts by Trump and his allies to undermine the electoral process in Georgia. Maddow highlights the various tactics being employed by Trump and his supporters to manipulate the upcoming 2024 election, including attempts to delegitimize the 2020 election results, purge voter rolls, intimidate election officials, and replace Republican officials who are not loyal to Trump. She interviews Adam Ronsley, a reporter for Rolling Stone, who details the alarming trend of Republicans using their control over state elections boards to implement policies that favor Trump and his agenda.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Trump's Bizarre Campaign Rally in Las Vegas
This Chapter concludes with a discussion of Trump's recent campaign rally in Las Vegas, where he made bizarre and rambling remarks about sharks and boats. Maddow highlights the erratic behavior of Trump and the dangers of his continued presence in American politics.
Keywords
Orador
Orador-sur-Glane is a village in the Limousin region of France. It is known for the massacre of its entire civilian population by a Nazi SS Panzer division during World War II on June 10, 1944. The village was left in ruins as a memorial to the atrocity. The massacre is considered a symbol of Nazi brutality and the horrors of war.
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was a major battle fought in the Ardennes region of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany during World War II. It was the last major German offensive of the war and involved a surprise attack by German forces against Allied troops. The battle was characterized by heavy fighting and significant casualties on both sides. The Battle of the Bulge is considered one of the most brutal battles of the war and a turning point in the Allied advance towards Germany.
Nazi
Nazi is a short form of the German National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), a far-right political party that ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945. The Nazi regime was responsible for the Holocaust, the systematic genocide of European Jews, and other atrocities during World War II. The term "Nazi" is often used to refer to the ideology and practices of the NSDAP, including its anti-Semitism, racism, and authoritarianism.
Fascism
Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian political ideology that emphasizes nationalism, militarism, and the suppression of opposition. Fascist regimes typically seek to establish a totalitarian state with a single-party system and a strong leader. Fascism is characterized by its use of propaganda, violence, and intimidation to control the population. Examples of fascist regimes include Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Francoist Spain.
Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is a form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedom. Authoritarian regimes typically suppress dissent, restrict civil liberties, and control the media. They often rely on force and intimidation to maintain their power. Examples of authoritarian regimes include North Korea, China, and Cuba.
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump is a controversial figure known for his populist rhetoric, his attacks on the media, and his divisive policies. He is currently running for president again in 2024.
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The EU was established in 1993 with the goal of promoting peace, cooperation, and economic integration among its members. The EU has a single market, a common currency (the euro), and a common agricultural policy. It also plays a significant role in international affairs.
Brexit
Brexit is the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. The UK voted to leave the EU in a referendum held in 2016. Brexit was a controversial decision that has had significant political and economic consequences for the UK and the EU.
Georgia
Georgia is a state in the southeastern United States. It is known for its peach production, its role in the Civil Rights Movement, and its recent political controversies. Georgia is a swing state in presidential elections, and it was the focus of intense scrutiny and legal challenges following the 2020 election.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance of 30 member states from North America and Europe. NATO was established in 1949 with the goal of providing collective defense against Soviet aggression. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has expanded its mission to include promoting democracy, security, and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region.
Q&A
What are some of the historical parallels that Rachel Maddow draws between the rise of fascism in Europe during World War II and the current political climate in the United States?
Maddow highlights the parallels between the Nazi regime's brutality and the current rise of right-wing extremism in the United States. She points to the massacre at Orador and the POW massacre during the Battle of the Bulge as examples of the dangers of unchecked authoritarianism. She also draws a connection between the influence of unrepentant Nazis in American politics after World War II and the current efforts by Trump and his allies to undermine democratic institutions.
What are some of the key takeaways from Ben Rhodes's analysis of the recent European elections?
Rhodes argues that the rise of far-right parties in France and Germany is a warning sign of the global trend towards authoritarianism. He emphasizes the need for political leaders to address the public's dissatisfaction with globalization and inequality, rather than simply defending the status quo.
What are some of the tactics that Trump and his allies are using to manipulate the 2024 election in Georgia?
Trump and his allies are employing a variety of tactics to rig the election in their favor, including attempts to delegitimize the 2020 election results, purge voter rolls, intimidate election officials, and replace Republican officials who are not loyal to Trump. They are also seeking to change election laws and procedures to give themselves more control over the process.
Why is Georgia considered a key battleground state in the 2024 election?
Georgia is a swing state that could be crucial in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. It is also a state where Republicans have total control over the levers of power, giving them a significant advantage in shaping the electoral process.
What are some of the concerns about Trump's recent campaign rally in Las Vegas?
Trump's bizarre and rambling remarks about sharks and boats at his rally in Las Vegas raise concerns about his mental state and his fitness for office. His erratic behavior and his continued embrace of conspiracy theories are a cause for alarm.
What is the significance of Rachel Maddow's new podcast, "Rachel Maddow Presents Ultra"?
Maddow's podcast explores the historical parallels between the rise of fascism in Europe during World War II and the current political climate in the United States. It aims to educate listeners about the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of learning from past mistakes.
What is the role of the media in combating the rise of authoritarianism?
The media plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable and informing the public about the dangers of authoritarianism. It is important for journalists to report on the facts, expose corruption and abuse of power, and provide a platform for diverse voices.
What are some of the challenges facing democracy in the United States?
Democracy in the United States is facing a number of challenges, including the rise of right-wing extremism, the spread of misinformation, the erosion of trust in institutions, and the increasing polarization of the political landscape.
What can citizens do to protect democracy?
Citizens can protect democracy by staying informed, participating in the political process, speaking out against injustice, and supporting organizations that promote democratic values.
Show Notes
Plus, Elections in Europe eyed for clues about American voter attitudes ahead of 2024 U.S. elections