The Democrats have one last chance to halt the erosion of US democracy – and it’s less than 100 days away | Timothy Garton Ash
American democrats need a Hungarian-style landslide to overwhelm Trump’s attempts to rig November’s midterm electionsIn these days of extreme weather events, it seems odd to say that the US needs a big landslide. But a landslide defeat for President Donald Trump in November’s midterm elections is exactly what is required if the country is to start reversing his deliberate and rapid erosion of its democracy.The respected Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute at Gothenburg University argues that in 2025 the US saw one of the most rapid declines in liberal democracy on record.
Reported by 1 outlet — The Guardian US. See all sources ↓
The Democrats say they have less than 100 days to stop the weakening of US democracy. They believe they need a big election win, like a landslide, in the November midterms to counter Donald Trump’s efforts to change the voting system. The V-Dem Institute at Gothenburg University reported that in 2025 the US experienced one of the fastest drops in liberal democracy ever recorded. Without such a win, the decline could continue.
Why it matters
A healthy democracy protects citizens’ rights and fair elections. If democratic backsliding continues, it could affect everyday life and trust in government.
- What do the Democrats need to stop democracy’s decline?
- They need a large landslide victory in the November midterm elections.
- What did the V-Dem Institute find about US democracy in 2025?
- It found the US had one of the fastest declines in liberal democracy on record.
- How much time do the Democrats have to act?
- They have less than 100 days before the midterm elections.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
All outlets present the same warning and call for a Democratic landslide, with no differing emphasis.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
The Democrats have one last chance to halt the erosion of US democracy – and it’s less than 100 days away | Timothy Garton Ash
Sources1TypeCoverageThe Guardian US