America Faces a Choice: Democracy or Oligarchy

This election will determine the future of the country, warns political commentator Thom Hartmann.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a hard-hitting commentary, political commentator Thom Hartmann argues that the 2026 election is a pivotal moment for American democracy. He contends that voters must choose between supporting the Democratic party, which upholds democratic values, or the Republican party, which he says is aligned with oligarchic interests that threaten to undermine free and fair elections. Hartmann warns that the GOP's efforts to restrict voting rights, appoint conservative judges, and empower wealthy donors are paving the way for a slide into authoritarianism.

Why it matters

Hartmann's analysis underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election, which he frames as a battle to preserve the foundations of American democracy in the face of growing oligarchic influence. His commentary reflects deep concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for a transition to outright tyranny if the Republican party's current trajectory continues unchecked.

The details

Hartmann traces the GOP's drift toward oligarchy, citing the party's support for policies that have concentrated wealth and power among the ultra-rich, such as massive tax cuts and the rollback of regulations. He also criticizes Republican efforts to restrict voting access and redraw district boundaries to entrench their political power. The author warns that these actions, combined with the appointment of conservative judges and the demonization of marginalized groups, are laying the groundwork for a shift away from democracy and toward authoritarianism.

  • Hartmann's commentary was published on February 16, 2026, just months before the pivotal election.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who Hartmann says is aligned with oligarchic interests and working to undermine democracy.

Jimmy Carter

The former president who Hartmann quotes as warning about the corrupting influence of money in politics and the threat of oligarchy.

Jack London

The author whose work, "The Iron Heel", Hartmann cites as a cautionary tale about the dangers of oligarchy.

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What they’re saying

“It [Citizens United] violates the essence of what made America a great country in its political system. Now it's just an oligarchy, with unlimited political bribery being the essence of getting the nominations for president or to elect the president.”

— Jimmy Carter, Former President (Thom Hartmann interview)

“We are the Iron Heel, and none can withstand us”

— Jack London, Author (The Iron Heel)

What’s next

Hartmann urges readers to vote for Democratic candidates in the upcoming election, even if they are not perfect, in order to defend democratic institutions and prevent a slide into oligarchy and authoritarianism.

The takeaway

Hartmann's commentary underscores the existential threat to American democracy posed by the Republican party's embrace of oligarchic interests and authoritarian tactics. He argues that the 2026 election represents a critical juncture, where voters must choose between preserving democratic norms or succumbing to the consolidation of power by a wealthy elite.