As American historians, we
are deeply alarmed by the impending election. Since 1789, the nation has prospered under a Constitution dedicated to securing the general
welfare, under a national government bound by the rule of law in which
no one interest or person holds absolute power. In 1860, an elite
interest dedicated to human slavery attempted to shatter the Union
rather than accede to the constitutional rule of law by accepting the
outcome of the election, plunging the nation into Civil War.
Today,
Donald Trump, openly hostile to democracy and to American
constitutional customs, seeks to return to office as president. He has
flagrantly defied the rule of law. He repeatedly sought to thwart the
result of the free and fair election of 2020. His performance has
persuaded many of those who worked most closely with him that he is an
authoritarian. Now a convicted felon, he has stated his
intention to use his power to intimidate, prosecute and imprison his
political critics and opponents, whom he designates as “the enemy
within.” Given the free hand that he would enjoy today by the Supreme
Court’s presidential immunity decision, we take his threats with utmost
seriousness as a clear and present danger to American democracy.
Kamala
Harris has dedicated her life to affirming the rule of law and
democracy. As a prosecutor and California attorney-general, she pursued
justice without fear or favor. As U.S. Senator, she confronted those who
would aid and abet the malign use of authority. As Vice President, she
has worked to find solutions to urgent problems, domestic and foreign.
As a presidential candidate, she has called out her opponent as a
disgrace to his oath as president to preserve, protect, and defend the
Constitution.
We
believe, based on our study of the past, that the nation stands at an
unprecedented historical as well as a political crossroads. On the
outcome of this election, no less than the election of 1860, hangs the
fate of both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution. We appeal to
our fellow citizens, whether conservative, independent, or liberal,
regardless of party affiliation, to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
We make this call not as partisans but as historians who believe in the
pursuit of a more perfect Union—and we urge all Americans to join us.
KAI BIRD
SIDNEY BLUMENTHAL
KEN BURNS
RON CHERNOW
BEVERLY GAGE
EDDIE GLAUDE
JON MEACHAM
SEAN WILENTZ
