most Republican leaders ended up holding the party line. If they had broken decisively with Trump, telling Americans loudly and clearly that he posed a threat to our country's cherished institutions, and if, on those grounds, they had endorsed Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump might never have ascended to the presidency.
In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky argues that Republican leaders largely remained loyal to Donald Trump, failing to publicly denounce him as a threat to democratic values. This support contributed to his rise and eventual presidency, as it signaled to voters that the party endorsed his vision and behavior.
Levitsky suggests that had key Republican figures taken a stand against Trump, particularly by openly endorsing his opponent, Hillary Clinton, it could have altered the political landscape. This shift might have prevented Trump's successful bid for the presidency, highlighting the critical role of party leaders in safeguarding democratic institutions.
