Election Day is finally here. American democracy has persisted for more than two centuries, and the role this year’s election could play in upholding that democracy has been touted by both sides of the political aisle.

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Today on Created Equal, award-winning author and Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Desiree Cooper joined the show, along with Bret Stephens, opinion columnist on domestic politics and cultural issues for the New York Times, to discuss how they feel about American democracy and what they kept in mind as they cast their ballots. 

Stephens discussed the prevailing feeling among voters that democracy itself will end if their candidate does not win and the eroding of the values of liberal democracy. He drew attention to the cyclical nature of American democracy and highlighted the fact that there have been many historical instances of social upheaval throughout American history, but a sense of commonality had always returned to the country.

Cooper explained that many “undecided” voters may be having trouble deciding between upholding American democracy or upholding party supremacy, pointing to the events of Jan. 6, 2021, as an example. She discussed the importance of not taking the right to vote for granted even as voting access has expanded.   

“Just because you had a right yesterday, doesn’t mean you will have a right tomorrow,” Cooper said. 

Use the media player above to listen to the full conversation. 

Guests: 

• Desiree Cooper is an award-winning author and Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist
• Bret Stephens is an opinion columnist for the New York Times on domestic politics and cultural issues. 

Listen to Created Equal with host Stephen Henderson weekdays from 9-10 a.m. ET on 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand.