Breakdown:

1. Failure to Confront Fascism Directly
   The critique here is that Democrats are not calling out right-wing extremists for what they are: fascists. The danger of this reluctance is that it allows these groups to push their agenda unchallenged. By not addressing the reality of far-right extremism head-on, Democrats risk losing credibility and power to those who may not respect democratic processes.
2. The Mistake of Assuming Good Faith
   Many Democrats treat far-right actors as if they’re operating in good faith, engaging in political debates and issues as though they’re traditional adversaries. But the argument here is that treating them as such is a mistake, as it fails to acknowledge the ideological threat posed by groups who openly disregard democratic norms, potentially leading to an unchecked rise of authoritarianism.
3. The Urgency of Recognizing the “War” on Democracy
   For some, this is not a normal political landscape but a “war” for the country’s democratic values. The right-wing extremist agenda, influenced by Christian nationalism, is seen as a direct threat to democracy. The response to this threat, the argument posits, should be equally strong, with a focused and assertive approach from Democrats to safeguard democratic institutions.
4. The Limitations of Traditional Electoral Politics
   Solely relying on elections to counter this threat is seen as insufficient because, if an authoritarian faction gains control, they may not respect future election outcomes. The critique suggests that Democrats must go beyond winning elections to protect democratic norms, particularly when opponents openly refuse to accept election results they dislike.
5. An Urgent Call for Active Protection of Democracy
   The urgency is clear: If Democrats do not adapt their strategy to counter the far-right’s undemocratic goals, there is a risk of losing the republic as it currently exists. This call to action underscores that Democrats must do more than “play politics as usual”—they must actively safeguard the democratic process to prevent potential authoritarian takeovers.

Final Thought:

The piece challenges Democrats to rethink their approach, urging them to recognize the magnitude of the far-right threat and actively protect democratic norms. Facing this ideological clash head-on may be necessary to secure a future for democracy in America.