'A six-alarmĀ fire': NYT columnist warns United States could be nearing a 'potential second civil war'

'A six-alarmĀ fire': NYT columnist warns United States could be nearing a 'potential second civil war'

New York Times columnist Tom Friedman fears America could be at the cusp of a "potential second civil war" if President Donald Trump's insinuations and suggestions are not taken seriously.


On Thursday evening, Friedman appeared on CNN's "AC360" with Anderson Cooper where he expressed concern about the president's refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power and what it could mean for America.

ā€œI think what happened in theĀ last few days is a six-alarmĀ fire,ā€ said Friedman.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist offered a chilling translation of Trump's words as he insisted the president only laid out two choices for the upcoming election — both of which would lead to the same outcome if Trump is not stopped.

ā€œThe President of the UnitedĀ States has told us ā€˜either I winĀ the election or I delegitimize theĀ election.’ Those are your choices, folks,ā€ Friedman said.

According to Friedman, there are many context clues Trump has presented that signal the possibility of civil woes ahead. With Trump working tirelessly to destroy the integrity and legitimacy of the election, Friedman believes Republican lawmakers are enabling the president threats to undermine America's democracy while conspiracy theoristss continue to spread misinformation that his fierce supporters believe.

ā€œWhen you have a presidentĀ without shame, backed by a partyĀ without spine, amplified by aĀ network without integrity, and byĀ social networks that are marinated in conspiracyĀ theories, behind whom are a lotĀ of armed people — if you are not frightened by this, you are notĀ paying attention.ā€

He also reflected on the tone and delivery of the Republican Party's message during its national convention. Friedman made it clear that all of the clues almost guarantee that America is "going to have aĀ disputed election."

ā€œThis is a party that went intoĀ its convention with no platform,Ā just basically said whatever Trump wants, we want,ā€ Friedman pointed out. ā€œAnd I — if you’re notĀ frightened now if you are notĀ terrified for what could happen,Ā it’s not ā€˜We might have aĀ disputed election.’ It is ā€˜We are going to have aĀ disputed election, almost certainly,’ unless TrumpĀ wins, in which case I shudder toĀ think what four more years ofĀ this would be like.ā€

When Cooper asked what Americans can do to change the course of what could possibly shape the future of the country, Friedman stressed the importance of voting "overwhelmingly."

ā€œSo what do you do?ā€ Cooper asked.

ā€œThere is only one thing toĀ do,ā€ Friedman concluded. ā€œVote.Ā Go out and vote.Ā Vote forĀ Joe Biden…There is only one tool we have.Ā It is a tool that can work.Ā That is to overwhelmingly vote.Ā I have written and I will repeat: I will walk to the polls.Ā I will crawl to the polls.Ā I will slither to the polls,Ā bike to the polls, hike to theĀ polls, but I will cast my voteĀ for Joe Biden.ā€

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