Ringside at the Reckoning

Ringside at the Reckoning

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Ringside at the Reckoning
Ringside at the Reckoning
"Our democracy"

"Our democracy"

Why does the left keep saying "our"?

Paul Mirengoff's avatar
Paul Mirengoff
Jul 01, 2023
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Ringside at the Reckoning
Ringside at the Reckoning
"Our democracy"
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Ever since Donald Trump emerged as a major political force, Democrats and their allies have warned that he’s a threat to “our democracy.” I understand the thrust of this claim. Trump’s commitment to democracy seems less than robust.

But why does the left so frequently complain that he’s a threat to “our democracy?” Why not just say he’s a threat to democracy?

I can see two possible reasons for adding “our.” Doing so might be a way of claiming that he’s a threat to America’s particular form of democracy — a threat to what’s distinctive about this democracy.

Alternatively, it might just be a marketing ploy. Protecting “our democracy” — yours and mine — sounds more personal and more urgent than protecting democracy in the abstract.

Which is it? Does the word “our” signify anything here or are the Democrats using it purely for effect?

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