Trump’s support from Republican grassroots rather than a party “elite” is, however, offset by the fact he gained power through a sophisticated and qualified democratic system, not through a simple plurality of votes. He won 46 per cent of a 60 per cent turnout, two per cent less than his opponent, so cannot invoke a “purer” or more direct form of democratic mandate.
This is true he cannot present himself as merely a man of immense popularity. However, I guess my article tries to go beyond the reality of the Trump movement's popularity and asks questions about what if it was more popular? I guess in this case what has happened to Hungary may better illustrate my point. If democratic minimalism is to be taken at its word how do you protect institutions and norms when illiberal democrats seize control? It seems a paradox to me that could be disastrous.
Trump’s support from Republican grassroots rather than a party “elite” is, however, offset by the fact he gained power through a sophisticated and qualified democratic system, not through a simple plurality of votes. He won 46 per cent of a 60 per cent turnout, two per cent less than his opponent, so cannot invoke a “purer” or more direct form of democratic mandate.
This is true he cannot present himself as merely a man of immense popularity. However, I guess my article tries to go beyond the reality of the Trump movement's popularity and asks questions about what if it was more popular? I guess in this case what has happened to Hungary may better illustrate my point. If democratic minimalism is to be taken at its word how do you protect institutions and norms when illiberal democrats seize control? It seems a paradox to me that could be disastrous.