by Lawrence Douglas
Reviewed by Linda:
Amherst College professor Lawrence Douglas has written a very timely book for all who are concerned about the upcoming presidential election. He assesses the likelihood of mayhem if Trump loses a close election or if the election is so close that it takes weeks to resolve. And he looks at how the weakening of democratic norms leave the country without its traditional safeguards in regard to succession. After demonstrating the problems that may arise if electoral ballots are disputed, if hackers cause disruption, or if mail-in ballots are opposed by the president (at a time when COVID19 makes voting dangerous), the author argues that American democracy could be in a state of peril last seen during the Civil War. A very important book for anyone concerned for our democracy.
Visit our Local Author Interviews page to view a recorded interview with the author from June 10, 2020.