It Could Always Be Worse

In this conversation, I update you on recent news that dropped on 10/31/2025 and draw parallels between contemporary political dynamics in the United States and the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe.

Dave Glaser discusses the nature of authoritarianism, the role of leadership during crises, and the importance of public response in resisting tyranny. The conversation emphasizes the lessons history provides in preventing the recurrence of such regimes and highlights the challenges democracy faces in the future.

Takeaways

We can identify similarities and familiarity with what's happening in the United States with what happened in the 1930s Europe. Last week's episode of the podcast, I assimilated Trump more so to Mussolini than to Hitler. However, the comparisons are very much the same because fascism is fascist and authoritarianism is authoritarianism. Tyranny is tyranny, no matter how you dress it up. Leadership plays a crucial role in times of crisis. Public response is vital in resisting authoritarianism. History teaches us valuable lessons about preventing tyranny. Preventing tyranny requires vigilance and active participation. Democracy faces significant challenges ahead that need to be addressed. The future of democracy is uncertain and requires collective effort.

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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

In this episode, we recap last week's rapid developments in immigration law and the implications of recent judicial actions against Trump, particularly focusing on a Wisconsin judge's arrest related to ICE enforcement.

We dive into the broader narrative surrounding immigration, the influence of Trump on the judicial system, and the ongoing scandals involving Pete Hegseth.

The conversation also speaks to the dangers of information sharing on the Signal App within government and the use of propaganda tactics like accusations in a mirror or AIM.

We close it out with emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in government roles and conclude with a call to action for listeners to recognize and challenge propaganda online and in their own lives.

What questions should we answer on next week's podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Subscribe to the podast, leave a rating and written review and please share with one person you feel would benefit from hearing this deep conversation about what we can do today that will prevent politics from getting "any worse".

Engage with and follow our podcast on social media on Instagram @itcouldalwaysbeworse.podcast or on BlueSky @itcouldalwaysbeworse and Dave's Tiktok account @dave.glaser

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Immigration Issues 02:57 Legal Implications of ICE Actions 06:10 The Impact of Judicial Decisions on Immigration 09:03 Trump's Influence on the Judicial System 12:12 Pete Hegseth and Signalgate Scandals 15:07 The Dangers of Information Sharing in Government 18:04 Accusations in the Mirror: A Propaganda Tactic 21:07 The Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Government 24:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is just one man from Maryland, now held without due process in one of the world's worst prison in El Salvador, but can he be the one to save democracy?

It may feel like it's a modern day David vs. Goliath but will immigration be the hill Trump's presidency ends on? It may appear to be exactly that!

On the very first full length episode on the podcast, Teresa and Dave share their stories behind what drove them to become activists against Trumpism plus we dig into the latest current events under the umbrella of immigration.

From Abrego Garcia to the court cases determining how much power Trump has in our modern version of democracy, we bring a new vision for having difficult conversations as partners trying to navigate parenthood, home ownership and pro-democracy activism.

We begin with our stories and how we became "triggered" enough to begin to take action against one of the most corrupt administrations in American history. From there, we dig into the complex issues of deportations, targeting minorities and how federal judges are finally taking a stand against Trump and his minions.

Subscribe to the podast, leave a rating and written review and please share with one person you feel would benefit from hearing this deep conversation about what we can do today that will prevent politics from getting "any worse".

Engage with and follow our podcast on social media on Instagram @itcouldalwaysbeworse.podcast or on BlueSky @itcouldalwaysbeworse and Dave's Tiktok account @dave.glaser

Will Jack Smith be back to get a win against Trump? This time in international court?

We've heard Jack Smith is back in The Hague but who will be the special prosecutor selected to pursue contempt charges?

It's unknown at this time but MAGA has been discrediting special prosecutors for years, even taking the case to SCOTUS, to determine if Smith was unconstitutionally selected by Merrick Garland.

Join us as we quicly discuss the possible outcomes here in a shorter clip from the full episode airing later today.

Subscribe to the podast, leave a rating and written review and please share with one person you feel would benefit from hearing this deep conversation about what we can do today that will prevent politics from getting "any worse".

Engage with and follow our podcast on social media on Instagram @itcouldalwaysbeworse.podcast or on BlueSky @itcouldalwaysbeworse and Dave's Tiktok account @dave.glaser

Judge Boasberg's contempt charge was halted in appeals court. Is that the end of democracy?

And will the charges stick? Since the recording of this episode, Boasberg has been stalled in his decision to pursue contempt charges... but only until an investigation is complete by a special prosecutor, which a federal judge has the ability to appoint, much like Jack Smith but outside the Department of Justice.

Will the Trump administration comply?

Join us as we quicly discuss the alternatives here in a shorter clip of the full episode airing later today.

Subscribe to the podast, leave a rating and written review and please share with one person you feel would benefit from hearing this deep conversation about what we can do today that will prevent politics from getting "any worse".

Engage with and follow our podcast on social media on Instagram @itcouldalwaysbeworse.podcast or on BlueSky @itcouldalwaysbeworse and Dave's Tiktok account @dave.glaser

Is Trump really as powerful as he thinks he is?

Teresa and Dave argue this point in a shorter clip from the full episode airing later today. She's the realist/pessimist and he's the idealist/optimist which makes for a powerful dynamic when discussing the topic of immigration.

Which side do you fall on? Hopeful or anxious?

Will the courts be enough to stop Trump from implementing his dangerous agenda?

Subscribe to the podast, leave a rating and written review and please share with one person you feel would benefit from hearing this deep conversation about what we can do today that will prevent politics from getting "any worse".

Engage with and follow our podcast on social media on Instagram @itcouldalwaysbeworse.podcast or on BlueSky @itcouldalwaysbeworse and Dave's Tiktok account @dave.glaser

Can MAGA spin this ruling into a win for Trump?

They are trying to spin it, that's for certain. And in today's fast paced news cycle, it's hard to keep up with it all. Judge Xinis ruling was upheld by SCOTUS who commended her on how well she handled the case overseeing Kilmar Abrego Garcia's return from El Salvador.

Will Trump listen to the command to "facilitate" the return of this man and many others deported without due process?

Join us as we quicly discuss the options here in a shorter clip of the full episode airing later today.

Subscribe to the podast, leave a rating and written review and please share with one person you feel would benefit from hearing this deep conversation about what we can do today that will prevent politics from getting "any worse".

Engage with and follow our podcast on social media on Instagram @itcouldalwaysbeworse.podcast or on BlueSky @itcouldalwaysbeworse and Dave's Tiktok account @dave.glaser

Is the rule of law gone in America?

The Trump administration has been defying federal courts for weeks and now it's gone even further by defying a direct Supreme Court order to "facilitate" the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Even with a 9-0 ruling by SCOTUS, Trump thinks he's untouchable.

Will it stop there or will he go as far as to arrest judges who defy him?

Join us as we quicly discuss the options here in a shorter clip of the full episode airing later today.

Subscribe to the podast, leave a rating and written review and please share with one person you feel would benefit from hearing this deep conversation about what we can do today that will prevent politics from getting "any worse".

Engage with and follow our podcast on social media on Instagram @itcouldalwaysbeworse.podcast or on BlueSky @itcouldalwaysbeworse and Dave's Tiktok account @dave.glaser