In this powerful return to the mic, Dave Glaser breaks down the urgent question: "What is fascism?" Drawing from the book Fascism: A Warning by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Dave explores the core traits of fascism and why the U.S. might be on a dangerous trajectory today.
Through a comparative historical lens, Dave discusses how Trump aligns more with Mussolini than Hitler—but cautions that the outcomes could be equally alarming. This episode isn't just political commentary—it's a passionate call to stay informed, resist complacency, and speak truth to power while we still can.
📖 Madeleine Albright's definition of fascism:
"Not an ideology, but a process for taking and holding power born out of social division and discontent."
🇮🇹 Trump vs. Mussolini:
Similarities in administrative overreach
Desire for total control over departments
Incompetence in governance
🇩🇪 Trump vs. Hitler:
Hitler's rise was bolstered by economic recovery via military expansion
Trump drives recession, social division, and executive chaos
🧠 Key traits of fascism (from Fascism: A Warning):
"Us vs. them" mentality
Demonization of minorities and the press
Disregard for democratic institutions and rule of law
Use of violence to maintain power
Erosion of truth as a political weapon
⚖️ Modern examples of fascist behavior:
Attacks on journalists
ICE funding and unchecked power
Executive actions without accountability
SCOTUS manipulation (e.g., Justice Roberts' role)
📚 Additional Recommended Reading:
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
How to Survive a Dictator
Don't Think of an Elephant by George Lakoff
📊 Current political context:
Shutdown of Congress blocking Adelita Grijalva's swearing-in
ICE's $180B budget increase while SNAP is cut
Trump's administrative "self-payment" of $230M
Growing support for progressives like Mondaire Jones, AOC, and Bernie Sanders
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does inform." – Dave Glaser (quoting On Tyranny)
"A fascist is unconcerned with the rights of others. They will undermine democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the press."
"We need to engage the middle—not argue with MAGA."
"Fascism can happen in any democracy. It creeps in, unnoticed, until it's too late."
Understand the warning signs of fascism before it's too late.
Share the episode with people in the middle—those who may not be fully aware of what's happening.
Read the books mentioned to build your knowledge base.
Get involved in local and national elections, especially special elections in places like Houston and Arizona.
Support progressive candidates with strong grassroots presence.
🎧 Podcast: Available Monday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
📱 TikTok: Follow @DaveGlaser for live simulcasts and commentary
📬 Stay in the loop: Subscribe to future episodes of It Could Always Be Worse
Have questions, thoughts, or want to join the book club?
👉 Drop your comments on TikTok @dave.glaser
