Beyond Affordability: Democracy or Oligarchy?

What is the legacy that this generation will leave behind for their progeny other than property and wealth. While this year’s midterm election is centered in the idea of affordability, the more important question is will America remain a liberal democracy or continue on its path towards oligarchy and authoritarianism.

While exorbitant gas and grocery prices are detrimental, would the American public be as angry if oil and groceries were at normal levels? Would Americans be willing to overlook kleptocracy if their paychecks kept up with inflation? Would the nation be complacent when those who attacked the capital received pardons?

America is faced with more than an electoral choice. It is faced with the possibility of a wholesale change of governance. A recent article of Defense One reported that Trump appointees from the Department of Homeland Security allegedly “asked a federal cybersecurity agency to secretly hack a voting machine.” According to the article the agency had been directed not to alert the voting machine company, if it uncovered flaws, contrary to its standard practice.”

According to one employee of CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), the agency that was asked to hack a voting machine, “my thought was that they could keep it in their back pocket to invalidate any election results they don’t like.”

If this article is accurate, it raises the specter of a government determined to create chaos in order to hold on to power.

Support for the American form of liberal democracy will not come from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson or Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Democrats will most likely win the House of Representatives. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if they can implement legislation to protect the American electorate as President Jimmy Carter did following the Watergate scandal.

Unfortunately, America’s path towards an oligarchy and authoritarianism does not end with the present administration. Tech entrepreneurs such as Peter Thiel, who said “I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible,” and Elon Musk have been very critical of liberal democracy and will still play a large role in carrying out their vision.

It remains to be seen to what extent Vice-President JD Vance has become anti-democracy as he has been influenced by people such as Curtis Yarvin and Peter Thiel, who financed his entry into the world of venture capital as well as financing his run for Senator. Thiel was also involved in Vance’s quest to be vice president.

The midterms may result in the president becoming a lame duck but America is not in a good place.

Allies are seeking to hedge their bets as they now view America as an unreliable partner. According to the 2026 Democracy Perception Index, “the United States ranked fifth from the bottom in global net perception.” The only nations ranked below the US were Israel, North Korea, Afghanistan and Iran. Nations will not become autarkic from the US. Nonetheless, as the influence of America declines, it may find itself economically and militarily diminished.

Will normalcy return? The answer won’t be fully answered by the November 3rd midterms. At best November 3rd can provide a road to recovery.