“Gen Z progressives, who increasingly see the system itself as failing them…I've heard of this segment as flirting with or more inclined toward ‘justice authoritarianism’ where justice outcomes are pursued by any means necessary, even if not possible in a functioning democracy.”

Close to 50% of Americans say the US is falling short of being truly democratic or that there is not enough democracy in the US.

“Increasingly distrust toward institutions (including governments) and sense that the status quo is fundamentally rigged and broken (including democratic institutions). I think we need to make a clearer case that democracy is broken in purposeful ways (i.e., over influence of mega money, gerrymandered districts, voter suppression efforts, etc.).”

“If the situation in which there is widespread political disagreement should produce skepticism, then perhaps the situation in which there is widespread political agreement should produce confidence. This is the insight behind the theory of epistemic democracy.”

“Confidence in major US institutions, including Congress, the presidency, and the Supreme Court, remains near historic lows,” and “just 28% of Americans now say they have a ‘great deal’ or ‘fair amount’ of confidence in newspapers, television, and radio to report the news fully, fairly, and accurately.”

“Our system makes it almost impossible for democracy to actually deliver material benefits. Trump can promise to tear government down and deliver that very easily (surprisingly easily), but there are too many veto points for Democrats to deliver popular, simple programs that materially improve people's lives. Even policies that have majority support, like raising the minimum wage or implementing universal healthcare, would require 60 Senators, which is extremely unlikely for decades to come. There is a saying, "Any old donkey can tear down a barn, but it takes a very special donkey to build one." Right now, a government that noticeably improves the material lives of people by delivering on anything people care about—like affordable housing, universal healthcare, affordable childcare, dignified eldercare, cheaper, accessible, healthy groceries—seems about as likely as a donkey building a barn.”