Fighting Fascism: How We Push Back and Win

Reclaiming Our Power, Our Values, and Our Country

The Question We All Keep Asking

Someone asked a question recently that hit home. They weren’t just asking for empty slogans or vague advice—they wanted real answers. They wanted to know: How do we actually fight back against a system rigged for the powerful, when it feels like the deck is stacked against us?

It’s a fair question, and it’s one we can’t afford to dodge anymore. The truth is, most of us poured everything we had into stopping the descent into chaos—and we lost. Now we’re left wondering: What do we do next? Well, I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve got some ideas. And they don’t involve staying quiet, playing nice, or waiting for someone else to save us.

1. Stop Going High When They Go Low

Enough with “When they go low, we go high.” It might sound noble, but in practice, it’s nothing more than an invitation for Republicans to stomp all over us while we congratulate ourselves for staying above the fray. Let’s be honest: It doesn’t work. Our rhetoric, our tone, and our energy need to match the stakes of this fight—and right now, those stakes couldn’t be higher.

When a fascist is gearing up to march back into the White House, “Sir, please don’t ruin the country” doesn’t cut it. It’s weak. It’s pathetic. And it signals to everyone watching that we’re not serious about winning. Here’s the reality: If you don’t fight fire with fire, you get burned. So let’s stop holding back. My motto is simple: “When they go low, curbstomp them”—rhetorically, of course.

What does that mean? It means matching their lies with unrelenting truth. It means exposing their hypocrisy every time they open their mouths. If they try to paint us as radicals, call them out as the extremists they are—the ones who cheer on insurrections, back book bans, and legislate cruelty into law. If they try to play the victim, remind them of every community they’ve targeted with hate and violence.

Fight with the full force of reality on your side. And the truth is, their record is indefensible. Don’t hesitate to hammer it home, loudly and unapologetically. They want to dismantle the foundations of the American Dream that generations have fought to build; we want to strengthen it, expand it, and ensure it’s within reach for everyone. Match their energy, expose their lies, and make them regret ever thinking they could take us on.

2. Never Play Defense

Here’s a simple truth: If you’re defending in politics, you’re losing. Republicans know this, and they’ve mastered the art of staying on offense—constantly shifting the narrative, setting traps, and forcing us to waste time responding to their garbage. It’s time to flip the script. They have no real values, so if you push them onto the defensive, you will win.

Every time they open their mouths, they hand us the ammunition we need to obliterate their credibility. When they talk about “protecting children” as a cover for attacking trans people, don’t waste time playing into their circus (don’t worry, they’ll be protected through our electoral victories, without us ever having to engage into the nonsense). Instead, ask them why they’ve spent decades protecting predators—like the Southern Baptist Convention hiding hundreds of abusers. When they talk about “law and order,” don’t let them distract from the fact that they cheered on January 6th, side with insurrectionists, and let right-wing extremists terrorize communities with endless mass shootings. When they call us “elitists,” point out how they worship billionaires like Elon Musk, who fire workers for trying to unionize and laugh about it on social media.

Stop falling into their traps. Their goal is to bait us into defending what doesn’t need defending. LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, protecting the vulnerable—these are the moral high ground, and we don’t need to justify them to anyone. Pivot immediately and force Republicans to explain their disgusting record. Don’t let them hide behind lies and buzzwords. Drag their hypocrisy into the spotlight and make it impossible for them to escape.

Every time we play defense, we cede ground. The solution? Don’t. Own the conversation. Set the terms. And make sure they’re the ones scrambling to explain themselves.

3. Reclaim the Language of Power

Patriotism. Family values. Christianity. The right doesn’t just pretend to own these ideas—they’ve twisted them into tools to justify their greed, corruption, and cruelty. They hide behind flags, Bibles, and buzzwords, all while gutting the very principles these values stand for. It’s time to rip those symbols out of their hands and expose their hypocrisy for what it is.

Taking Back Patriotism

Republicans don’t love America—they love the power they get from pretending they do. They wave the flag while betraying the very people it represents. Real patriotism isn’t about photo ops at rallies—it’s about fighting for the well-being of every American. True patriots don’t cheer for tax breaks that send jobs overseas or policies that let billionaires hoard wealth while working families struggle to get by. True patriots fight for democracy, for justice, and for a country where every citizen has the chance to succeed.

So let’s call them out. Every time they invoke patriotism, ask them why their policies make it harder for Americans to live the American Dream. Ask why they sell out workers for corporate profits, cozy up to autocrats, and side with insurrectionists over law enforcement. Ask why their version of “patriotism” is nothing more than empty symbolism wrapped in a flag they’ve betrayed.

And let’s make it clear: We are the true patriots. We fight for democracy, fair wages, public schools, and strong communities. We stand for an America that works for everyone—not just the wealthy few. Patriotism isn’t just waving the flag—it’s making sure the country it represents is worth fighting for.

Taking Back Family Values

Republicans love to scream about “family values,” but let’s be real: Their policies are an assault on families. They vote against paid family leave, affordable childcare, and healthcare. They let kids die in classrooms so they can keep collecting checks from the NRA. They fight tooth and nail to stop parents from earning livable wages, all while giving corporations massive handouts.

Their idea of family values is nothing but a smokescreen for cruelty. They care more about controlling women’s bodies than about helping families feed their kids. They care more about banning books than keeping children safe. Let’s say it plainly: The Republican Party hates families. Their actions prove it every single day.

Real family values mean making sure parents can care for their kids without going bankrupt. They mean creating communities where families can live in safety, dignity, and stability. They mean protecting children from the very real threats of gun violence, poverty, and climate collapse—not made-up nonsense about drag queens and CRT. If Republicans actually cared about families, they wouldn’t fight so hard to make their lives harder.

And let’s not forget: Families come in all shapes and sizes. Republicans cling to some 1950s fantasy of what a family should look like—one that doesn’t exist and never did. Meanwhile, we fight for every family, whether they’re two moms, one dad, or a grandparent raising grandkids. Their narrow, exclusionary definition of “family values” doesn’t reflect reality—it’s just another excuse to divide and judge.

Dismantling the Right's Hypocrisy on Abortion and Transgender Issues

Taking Back Christianity

The right hides behind Christianity like it’s their personal shield, but their actions couldn’t be further from Christ’s teachings. Jesus didn’t preach about tax cuts for billionaires or slashing welfare for the poor. He didn’t celebrate greed, cruelty, or turning away refugees. In fact, the Bible they love to thump so much explicitly condemns everything they stand for.

When they justify ripping healthcare away from millions, ask them about the Good Samaritan. When they fight against feeding the hungry or sheltering the homeless, ask them if they’ve ever read Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Their version of Christianity is nothing more than a weapon they use to control and oppress—and it’s time we call it out for the heresy it is.

And here’s the important part: You don’t need to be religious to take back Christianity, because the values Jesus stood for—justice, compassion, and love—are universal. They’re the same values we fight for every single day. Whether you worship in a church, a synagogue, a mosque, or not at all, those principles transcend religion. Feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and fighting for the least among us are not just Christian values—they’re human values.

Let’s reclaim faith as a force for justice, compassion, and love. Christianity is about lifting people up, not beating them down. It’s about helping the poor, healing the sick, and fighting for the vulnerable. Republicans have perverted those values to justify their cruelty, but we’re the ones who actually stand for them. Let’s make sure the world knows it.

Nailing MAGA’s Fake Christians to the Rhetorical Cross

Build the Narrative and Expose the Lies

Stop letting them own these values. Every time they wave a flag, ask why their policies betray the very people that flag represents. Every time they claim to care about families, ask why they vote to keep parents in poverty. Every time they invoke Christianity, ask why their actions would make Jesus flip tables in their churches.

We’re not here to debate their lies—we’re here to expose them. Wave the flag, but wave it with pride for policies that build a stronger, fairer America. Embrace family values, but make them about supporting all families, not judging them. Talk about faith, but use it to show compassion, not condemnation. Their hypocrisy is their greatest weakness, and it’s time to weaponize it against them.

The Truth They Can’t Hide

Here’s the bottom line: They hate America. They hate Jesus. They hate families. Their actions prove it every single day. Don’t let their empty words distract from their cruelty. Expose them, shame them, and take back the values they’ve corrupted. Because those values? They’re ours, and we’re taking them back.

4. Stop Focusing on Trump

I get it. Trump is a walking disaster—a criminal, a con man, and a wannabe dictator who’s done immeasurable damage to this country. His crimes deserve to be front-page news. But here’s the harsh reality: Attacking him directly doesn’t work. To his base, he’s not a man—he’s a myth. Their savior. Their MAGA Jesus. Every time you call him a criminal, it only reinforces their loyalty.

So, stop wasting time trying to break their illusion by calling him out directly. Instead, hit where it hurts: Make it personal. Frame him for what he really is—a scammer, someone who’s not just betraying America but betraying them. Say it plainly: “He’s scamming you. He’s using you. And you’re weak for letting him get away with it.”

Expose him for the fraud he is. Talk about how he burned his own supporters by grifting billions for a “stop the steal” fund that didn’t exist. Talk about the millions he’s raking in from his PACs while doing absolutely nothing for the people who blindly follow him. Show them how he’s been enriching himself at their expense—funneling their donations into his pocket while laughing at them behind closed doors.

And here’s the truth they don’t want to hear: Conservatives love to moralize about sex workers, claiming they’re the ultimate symbol of corruption because they “sell their bodies for money.” But at least sex workers get paid. MAGA gives away its soul—and actually pays for the privilege. They pour their money, their energy, and their loyalty into a man who openly uses and discards them. The very thing they claim to despise—being exploited for gain—is what they willingly sign up for, except they’re the ones footing the bill.

5. Dominate the Social Media Landscape

Legacy media is dead—or close enough that it doesn’t matter. Republicans figured this out years ago and built an entire propaganda machine on social media while we were still clinging to the old playbook. We’ve been playing catch-up ever since, and it’s time to stop pretending the rules of the game haven’t changed. If we want to win, we need to own the platforms where people actually get their news—YouTube, TikTok, podcasts, Twitter, and beyond.

Republicans have mastered this terrain, using influencers, viral memes, and disinformation to mobilize their base and dominate the narrative. They don’t just control the conversation—they set the terms of engagement, forcing us to respond instead of leading. That has to end. We need to stop ceding ground and start fighting fire with fire.

Here’s the truth: Most people don’t trust politicians or legacy outlets anymore, but they do trust their favorite creators and influencers. If we want to win hearts and minds, we need to put our message in the mouths of the people they already listen to. That doesn’t mean only progressive influencers—it means anyone who’s on the team fighting fascism. Whether they’re progressive, centrist, or somewhere in between, if they’re pushing back against authoritarianism, they’re an ally. And let’s be clear: You don’t have to agree on every issue to work together. This isn’t the time for purity tests.

The left loves nothing more than tearing itself apart. Centrists call progressives radicals, and progressives call centrists sellouts. Guess what? If you’re playing that game, you’re the problem. We can hash out our differences once we’ve beaten fascism. Right now, the only question that matters is whether someone is helping us pull the country back from the brink. If they are, amplify them. Work with them. Build each other up. The stakes are too high for infighting.

And let’s get real: Democrats need to stop acting like social media is beneath them. Republicans understand that dominating the online space isn’t optional—it’s essential. Meanwhile, too many Democrats still think appearing on a podcast or sharing a meme is “unserious.” It’s not unserious—it’s how you reach people in 2024. Start collaborating. Get on podcasts. Work with influencers. And don’t try to control the message too tightly—authenticity is what works, and nothing turns people off faster than a canned politician trying to go viral.

Social media is the battlefield, and right now, Republicans are miles ahead. But here’s the thing: We can win here, and we can win big. Our ideas are better. Our policies are more popular. The only thing holding us back is our refusal to take this fight seriously. It’s time to build an online presence that matches the stakes of this moment.

We’re not going to out-fundraise the oligarchs behind Republican campaigns, but we can out-organize them. Social media isn’t just a tool for spreading information—it’s a tool for building movements. And if we use it right, it’ll be the tool we use to beat them.

Stop Calling Them MAGA

6. Pass the Torch

If you’ve been an elected official for 20, 30, or even 40 years, it’s time to face the truth: You’re a part of the problem. Holding onto power for decades doesn’t signal strength—it screams “establishment elite.” And while you’re clinging to your position, younger leaders with fresh energy, bold ideas, and a deep understanding of today’s challenges are being sidelined. This isn’t just a disservice to the movement—it’s a gift to the opposition.

Younger voters don’t want leadership that looks and feels like it’s stuck in the past. They want leaders who reflect the world they’re inheriting—leaders who understand what it’s like to live in a world defined by climate crises, crushing student debt, and tech-driven economies. If your face on TV screams “status quo,” then you’re handing Republicans a talking point they’ll exploit endlessly. Letting go isn’t a weakness—it’s leadership.

And to be clear, this isn’t about throwing seasoned leaders out. Your experience, wisdom, and institutional knowledge are invaluable. Stick around. Be a mentor. Guide the next generation of leaders. But for crying out loud, let go of the reins. If we’re going to win, we need to harness the energy, creativity, and drive of younger voices. They bring the conviction, passion, and relatability that we need to connect with voters.

The Republican Party has mastered the art of painting Democrats as out-of-touch elites. The longer our leadership refuses to embrace renewal, the easier it is for that narrative to stick. Don’t make it easy for them. Pass the torch—not just for the sake of optics, but because our movement depends on it.

This isn’t just about demographics or appearances; it’s about survival. The world is changing faster than ever, and we need leaders who can adapt, inspire, and relentlessly advocate for what’s right. Leadership isn’t about clinging to power—it’s about knowing when to step aside for the greater good.

7. Acknowledge the Pain—and Offer Real Solutions

Here’s the one thing MAGA gets right: The middle and working classes have been crushed for decades. Wages have stagnated. Costs have skyrocketed. Opportunities have dwindled. And neither party has done enough to fix it. Republicans have tapped into that frustration, not with real solutions, but with a devastatingly effective strategy:

1. They acknowledge the pain (because it’s real).

2. They offer a villain (even if it’s scapegoating minorities).

3. They promise a solution (even if it’s fascism).

It’s a 3-step playbook designed to exploit anger and disillusionment, and it works—because Democrats too often refuse to take the first step. We don’t talk about the pain enough, and when we do, we focus on statistics instead of stories. People don’t want to hear about GDP growth; they want someone to say, “You’ve been screwed over, and you deserve better. Here’s how we fix it.”

We need to rip MAGA’s playbook apart and turn it against them. Step one: Acknowledge the pain, loudly and unapologetically. Admit that the middle class has been gutted, that corporations and billionaires have rigged the system, and that too many politicians—on both sides—have let it happen. Step two: Point to the real villains: Reaganomics, which cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy and gutted public investment. Citizens United, which turned our democracy into an auction. Corporate greed, unchecked monopolies, and a political system designed to serve the few at the expense of the many. Step three: Offer solutions that actually work—and make sure people know exactly who’s standing in the way of progress.

But here’s the critical difference: We don’t just make promises. We deliver—or we go down fighting. If Republicans stand in the way of affordable healthcare, higher wages, childcare, or student loan relief, call them out in no uncertain terms. Don’t just say, “Republicans are obstructing progress.” Say, “Republicans are the reason your rent is unaffordable, your wages haven’t gone up in decades, and your kid’s school is underfunded.” Make it personal, because it is personal.

When we have the power, we need to act boldly—no half-measures, no excuses. Either we pass policies that help working Americans, or we fight relentlessly to expose the obstructionists who stand in the way. Losing isn’t failure; failure is giving up or backing down. If we go down fighting, we show people that their struggles are worth fighting for—and we make it clear who’s responsible for blocking change.

We need to remind people that Democrats have already fought for policies that benefit the middle and working classes, from expanding healthcare access to reducing child poverty. Show them the progress we’ve made and make it clear: We’re the ones fighting for their future, while Republicans are auctioning that future to the highest corporate bidder.

This isn’t just about offering better policies. It’s about making it clear that our policies benefit them, while Republicans’ policies are actively hurting them. Acknowledge the pain. Call out the villains. Offer real solutions. Fight relentlessly. That’s how we win.

Rebuilding the Party: How Democrats Can Start Winning Again

The Fight of Our Lives

This isn’t just about winning elections—it’s about reclaiming the soul of our democracy. The stakes couldn’t be higher: an economy rigged for the ultra-rich, a democracy under constant attack, and a future being auctioned off to the highest corporate bidder. We’re not just fighting for policies or platforms; we’re fighting for the kind of country we want to leave for the next generation.

And let’s be clear: The solution isn’t staying quiet, playing nice, or waiting for someone else to save us. The solution is you.

It’s not up to any politician, party, or leader to fix this. It’s up to us—to you. If Republicans can proudly wear MAGA hats that symbolize corruption, cruelty, and division, then we must proudly stand for the values that matter: fairness, justice, compassion, and equity. This isn’t the time to cower or hide what we believe in. It’s the time to stand tall, to speak boldly, and to fight relentlessly for the America we know is possible.

You are the solution. Your voice, your action, and your courage are what will turn the tide. Whether it’s calling out hypocrisy in your community, amplifying the truth online, organizing with others, or voting like the future depends on it—it’s all on us.

The future isn’t written yet, and the power to shape it is in your hands. If you believe in this mission—if you’re ready to take back our country and build a future rooted in fairness and justice—consider subscribing to The American Manifesto. Your support ensures this message remains independent, accessible, and focused on the fight that matters most. Together, we can expose the lies, champion the truth, and create the America we know is possible.

This is our fight. Let’s own it. Let’s win it.

Let’s get to work.