Krugman compares the resistance to ICE in Minneapolis to the color revolutions that swept the former Soviet Union - with varying degrees of success - after its collapse. The point of these revolutions was to establish liberal democracy in countries that really never had them. In the United States, there are already robust institutions of liberal democracy that are surviving to varying degrees the onslaught by Trump and Project 2025. The press is free, but compromised. Federalism remains a bulwark to Trumpist overreach. The Courts continue to try and preserve the Constitution and civil liberties. If Democrats can gain control of Congress, we can legitimately see a pathway to preserving American liberty.
However, much of this will actually depend on actions like the incredible disciplined protests from Minnesota. No Kings is a decent start, but it will have to be expanded and continued. While firing Greg Bovino is not the solution to this problem, earning victories - no matter how small - are important to maintaining momentum and gaining converts. The doomerism that pervades many online spaces is simply not the right response. Steely resolve, yes. "This doesn't matter", no.
The rest of the world looks at the US with dismay. It will be up to the majority of Americans who oppose this to restore both our democracy and our reputation.
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