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.

Written by Eden Zaborowski and Chris Aboukhaled