In recent years people on the left have used the terms fascism or authoritarianism (with some adjectives – racist, white nationalist, plutocratic , right wing, anti-democratic, etc. – affixed to the latter) to describe and analyze the rise of Trump and the Trumpist movement. I have no problem with either designation, although I prefer for the moment anyway, “authoritarianism.”

In any case, I don’t see the value of getting into a pissing contest over which term captures today’s realities best. Both have their merits, including that they are class based, aware of the imperative of anti-racist unity, and mindful that so much hangs on the outcome of the next two elections cycles. Of far more importance would be a concrete (not abstract) discussion on what is the class and social composition of the coalition fighting Trump and the Trumpist movement.  Where does the Biden administration and its agenda fit into this coalition? The Democratic Party? What is the specific role of progressives, the left, social justice activists within this coalition? What are the main and common tasks of this coalition at this moment?