Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger did not campaign on saving democracy at the federal level. But that might turn out to be the most important thing she does as governor.
As Bill Kristol discussed earlier, Republicans in Texas—at the behest of the president—violated democratic norms by gerrymandering additional seats for their party mid-election cycle. While this action was legal, it was also illiberal and anti-democratic.
Democrats responded not with hesitation but with ruthless proportionality. Led by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Spanberger, they counter-gerrymandered to restore balance.
Why Ruthless Aggression Is Necessary for Democracy
The road to preserving liberal democracy does not involve unilateral disarmament or pretending normality will return. It requires meeting force with force while pushing for a national remedy: nonpartisan redistricting to enforce standards of good government.
This is classical deterrence theory in action. As a Roman general once said:
“If you seek peace, prepare for war.”
The Ultimate Test: Expanding the Supreme Court
This model of ruthless aggression should extend to the biggest battle of all: expanding the Supreme Court. Democrats must counter Republican overreach with equal or greater force to defend democratic institutions.
[Reminder: This Friday’s Triad will feature a members-only “Ask JVL” video newsletter. Submit your questions here.]
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