Gavin Newsom’s accusations against Donald Trump are more than just a political attack; they are a real-time stress test for American democracy. The situation forces a series of critical questions: Can the system withstand a leader who may not respect its most basic rules?
The first part of the test is for the political establishment. How will other leaders, particularly Republicans, respond to the claim that a former president is contemplating a move to defy the Constitution? Their silence or support will be telling.
The second part is for the media. Will they treat this as a serious potential crisis, or as just another partisan squabble? The level of scrutiny applied to the 22nd Amendment and Trump’s intentions will be a measure of the media’s role as a democratic guardian.
The final and most important test is for the public. Will voters recognize the gravity of challenging term limits, a principle that has underpinned the peaceful transfer of power for generations? Newsom has initiated the stress test; the reaction of the system will determine its strength.