The defining feature of US democracy a few decades ago, was both sides would argue, maybe compromise, vote, and be relatively satisfied the process had worked. Today it's an all out war where both sides are using whatever means to their desired ends -- lawfare, civil disobedience, executive action, etc. Yes a democracy still, but no longer in spirit, as we once knew it.
Both sides aren’t really equivalent though. Trump tried to overturn the result of the 2020 election, inciting a violent mob to storm the Capitol. In 2024 Democrats accepted the result and there was a peaceful and orderly transition. The audience laughing at America being a democracy is down to the actions of Trump.
The defining feature of US democracy a few decades ago, was both sides would argue, maybe compromise, vote, and be relatively satisfied the process had worked. Today it's an all out war where both sides are using whatever means to their desired ends -- lawfare, civil disobedience, executive action, etc. Yes a democracy still, but no longer in spirit, as we once knew it.
Both sides aren’t really equivalent though. Trump tried to overturn the result of the 2020 election, inciting a violent mob to storm the Capitol. In 2024 Democrats accepted the result and there was a peaceful and orderly transition. The audience laughing at America being a democracy is down to the actions of Trump.