This post for members was written by Leonard Steinhorn, Professor of Communication and History at American University and a former political speechwriter. Democracy may be on the ballot for many voters this election, but let’s stop flattering ourselves, America, ours is not the democracy we proclaim it to be. .memberful-global-teaser-content p:last-child{ -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, #000 0%, transparent); mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, #000 0%, transparent); } Join now to continue reading. Members get exclusive analysis, bonus features and no advertising.