War Game: Six Hours to Save Democracy

The “War Game: 6 Hours to Save Democracy” panel at TruCon 2024 featured four participants from the documentary film "War Game," which simulated a scenario in the aftermath of a disputed U.S. election potentially leading to a coup. Following the January 6th insurrection, it became clear that certain actors may attempt to interrupt and overthrow a democratically elected government. The panel, moderated by Janessa Goldbeck, examined what it will take for Americans to defend democracy from those who seek to destroy it.

Key Themes:

1. Coups and the Insurrection Act:
The panelists addressed the real concerns of a coup attempt following a contested election, potentially with the involvement of military forces. They discussed the implications and potential use of the Insurrection Act in such a crisis, highlighting legal and constitutional considerations.

2. Political Polarization:
As former government officials, Governor Steve Bullock and Senator Doug Jones highlighted polarization in Congress, acknowledging that it may result in the president being forced to respond to a crisis without significant Congressional input. Senator Jones called for politicians on both sides of the aisle to come together and bridge the divide. “Let’s have more dialogues instead of monologues when it comes to our politics in our country,” he said.

3. Media and Disinformation:
Chris Jones, a Marine Corps veteran who portrayed a member of a fictional domestic terrorist group in the simulation, emphasized the critical role of social media disinformation in facilitating and escalating a coup attempt, noting that the federal government lacks the ability to effectively counter such tactics. He also recognized local news as a way to track bad actors. “The single greatest early warning system that the United States possesses when it comes to domestic extremism is local journalism,” he said.

4. Local vs. Federal Response:
The panelists raised concerns regarding the federal government's ability to promptly address local incidents that undermine free and fair elections, indicating potential vulnerabilities in protecting democratic processes at a grassroots level.

The panel addressed complex challenges facing American democracy, including political polarization, digital misinformation, and threats to electoral integrity. The "War Game" simulation served as a poignant exploration of these issues, prompting reflection on how to fortify democratic institutions against such potential threats.

Featured:
Governor Steve Bullock, Former Governor of Montana
Senator Doug Jones, Former Senator from Alabama
Chris Jones, Marine Corps Veteran, Truman Security Fellow 2024
Major General (Ret.) Linda Singh, Former Adjutant General of Maryland
Janessa Goldbeck (moderator), CEO, Vet Voice Foundation, Truman Political Partner 2009

[Tammy_Talpas]

Thank you for your participation in this important film, and for sharing this important conversation in advance of its limited release on August 2, 2024.

This panel appears to have met prior to the Supreme Court decision in Trump v US No. 23–939, which bestows upon the President immunity to commit any criminal OFFICIAL act. The SCOTUS 6 also gifted the president protection from criminal intent determinations regarding acts of an UNOFFICIAL nature if those intent determinations are informed BY official acts.

Doesn't this radically change the landscape of this "War Game?"

And will this shift in the legal landscape be addressed in the final cut of "War Game?"

With praise and gratitude,
Tammy in Texas
Austin 78726

[CM-dwxr]

So when do the rest of us get to see this film??

[tinyhomestead]

6 out of 8 small cities no longer print a newspaper. I understand the concern but I also appreciate the fact that we are reducing paper! Locally, we have a local electronic newspaper. Watching the internet grow to cover sparse areas through infrastructure is another plus! I cut my cable at least 20 years ago. And I’m 60 years old.

[JudithOneal-khvg]

SORRY, as a life-long activist lucky to have lived 60 yrs in the SF area...YOUNG folks watching ppl
arguing, REALLY? Preparing to stop fascists hasn't been done during the last 8 yrs. TRUST MATTERS.

[lisastjohn]

I live far from the USA, never wanted to be a part of the USA, vacationed as a tourist once in the late 90’s……because I’ve waited that long to hear this level of smart significance of “behind the scenes” goings on, which under Trump, clearly is akin to a lockstep intention of his full control….in an Oligarchy.
Kudos to the intensely thought out presentation and all of the those who boldly participated in informing the world, the domino effect of US politics being our extended reality too 👏🌟👊🏻🔥

[jakebe]

A vote for Trump is a vote for Putin and Fascism. Harris Walz 2024...We owe it to our ancestors and to our children!!

[lisastjohn]

Sometimes during the living life, the most unfortunate experience comes to the forefront. I believe in the wisdom of facts and true reality….so to, and in order to, awaken people to change course for the sake of their own and more widespread safety. Life under Trump will be an American rule never known before, with a cruel enforcement never known before.
I just don’t see any logic nor any common sense in indulging such an experience, nor such a memory.

[DswbootsBoots]

Again go back to HS to learn we are not a democracy we are a constitutional republic.