Chronicling and analyzing resistance to the threat that autocracy poses to American liberal democracy, this book provides the definitive account of the rise of Trump's populist support in 2016, and his failed efforts to nullify the result of the 2020 election.

Richard L. Abel is Michael J. Connell Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus and Distinguished Research Professor, UCLA, USA.

Foreword by Congressman Jamie Raskin vii

Preface ix

Acronyms xii

Dramatis Personae xv

1 The Origins of Autocracy 1

2 From Trump's 2016 Campaign through the November 2020 Election 18

2.1 The Russian Connection 18

2.2 Anticipatory Delegitimation 29

2.2.1 The 2016 Election 29

2.2.2 The 2020 Election 32

2.3 Mail Ballots 56

2.4 Judicial Oversight 62

3 Election Day to the Electoral College Vote 77

3.1 Denial 77

3.2 Pressuring State Officials 95

3.2.1 Georgia 105

3.2.2 Michigan 117

3.2.3 Arizona 120

3.2.4 Pennsylvania 123

3.2.5 Wisconsin 125

3.3 Litigating the Election 126

3.4 Continuing the Contests 131

4 From the Electoral College to the Insurrection 155

4.1 "Alternative" Slates of Electors 155

4.2 Weaponizing the Department of Justice 174

4.3 After the Electoral College Vote 190

4.4 Last-Ditch Effort in Georgia 212

4.5 The January 6 Insurrection 218

5 Saving Democracy 262

References 278

Index 293