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Is Our Democracy Broken? This Expert Says No, And Shares His Reasons For Hope

Manuel Balce Ceneta
/
AP Photo
Trump supporters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.

 

Wednesday, a Trump supporter carried a Confederate flag — a symbol of hate and the Confederacy — through the halls of the U.S. Capitol during a violent insurrection. The stark visual came after President Trump incited right wing extremists to storm the building, breaking windows and doors, fighting with Capitol Police in order to force their way in.

It was a sad and solemn day that will stay with Americans for many years.

 

But Americans aren’t the only ones trying to absorb the events of Wednesday. The eyes of the world were upon us yesterday, and while our allies reacted with sadness and shock, some fear our adversaries were handed a gift. After years of hearing about the strength of American democracy, could what happened on Jan. 6 be a sign that our system of government is broken?

 

Steven Feldstein is a Senior Fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in D.C. He tells Idaho Matters that even on Wednesday, there were signs of hope for our nation, but thta President-elect Joe Biden and the Congress will have their hands full repairing the damage.

 

Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet @KBSX915 using #IdahoMatters

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Frankie Barnhill was the Senior Producer of Idaho Matters, Boise State Public Radio's daily show and podcast.

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