Dr. Larry Gerston: Overcoming Trumpism and Saving American Democracy

What is Trumpism and how long will it last? A new book by political scientist and author Dr. Larry N. Gerston defines Trumpism as an ideology that preceded Trump’s election and will outlast his political career. He says we need to explore solutions to problems that have long plagued contemporary American democracy. Gerston says deep-rooted pain points in U.S. governance gave rise to and were exacerbated by Trumpism—discrimination, voter disenfranchisement, and corruption—as well as key areas of government and society that he says Trumpism endangers: political institutions, civic culture and community, law and order, and public education. These are all issues he explores in his newest book, Overcoming Trumpism: How to Save American Democracy, in which Gerston offers a combination of solutions to preserve American democracy: repair its battered institutions, assure a free and responsible press, and restore public participation in democratic society. He says an invested and attentive public will be necessary to restore a strong democratic tradition in this country. Gerston, who taught at San Jose State University and was a long-time on-air political analyst for NBC Bay Area, has also been a popular speaker on the stage of Commonwealth Club World Affairs numerous times. Now join us as he returns to the Club to launch his latest book with a call for rebuilding our political infrastructure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dr. Larry Gerston: Overcoming Trumpism and Saving American Democracy is an episode from Commonwealth Club of California Podcast by Commonwealth Club of California.

This episode is 67:16 long.

This episode was published on May 4, 2026.

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