We’re in it, Friend. The trenches of election season. Primaries are happening all over the country. Every new one brings a whole new host of headlines and narratives for pundits to argue about.

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It's easy to get caught up in every twist and turn this election season, and make no mistake: the 2022 midterms will be one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime. 

But as important as this current political moment is, we also need to occasionally step back, throw some cold water on the hot takes, and take the long term perspective.  

And for that, Friend, take a look at CPAC Hungary. This week, the heartbeat of the modern conservative movement will be hosting one of their annual conventions in Hungary. A country that is ruled by authoritarian right wing Prime Minister Victor Orbán. 

Why exactly is the MAGA movement flying thousands of miles to host a political convention?

Hungary is at the forefront of a political trend that is occurring throughout the world, where arch-conservative political parties are rising in democratic countries, and consolidating power into strongman dictatorships. 

Their political strategies will sound familiar. The promotion of “white replacement theory,” and demonization of minorities. Constant attacks on the free press and banning opposing speech. The appointment of political allies to the judiciary and the manipulation of fair elections. 

Hungary’s Victor Orbán is the poster boy of this new authoritarian movement. He was once elected prime minister democratically, but has used his time in power to hollow out Hungary’s once vibrant democratic institutions and unilaterally impose an extreme far right agenda on the country. 

That’s why Tucker Carlson visited Orbán and hosted his show from Hungary’s capital. That’s why Trump endorsed Orbán for another term as prime minister. And that’s why CPAC is hosting their convention in Hungary this week, where Orbán will be the event’s main attraction and keynote speaker. 

Oh, the headlines will come. You can imagine them at this point. And behind the scenes, MAGA leaders will be making backroom deals and forming alliances to form a global anti-democratic alliance. That’s their plan for America. That’s their plan for us. 

So as we watch this election season unfold, remember the long game here. The Lincoln Project will be fighting hard to make a difference in every election possible. Keep supporting our work because every ad and every dollar that supports it does make a difference. 

But it’s a long fight.

That’s why we’re investing in a fight that will last far beyond 2022. We’ve started The Union, our grassroots mobilization project that is building out an army of grassroots pro-democracy activists. Our ads are getting millions of views across the world, and are being seen by critical decision makers. We are on the frontlines of the pro-democracy fight and we are ready to fight in 2022, 2024, and as long as it takes to defeat any political movement that dares to end the world’s longest continuing democracy. 

Make an investment today, Friend. We’re in this fight for the long run. Donate today so we know you are too.

-Stuart Stevens