In a revealing interview, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provided her insights into the potential dangers to democracy posed by former President Donald Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders.

Considering his admiration for authoritarian figures, Clinton emphasized the global risks of a potential Trump re-election in 2024.

Breitbart News reported that during a discussion on Marc Elias's podcast Defending Democracy, Clinton shared her concerns regarding Donald Trump's potential return to the presidency.

She expressed apprehension about his admiration for leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong-un. Clinton argued that Trump's regard for these leaders could indicate a shift toward more authoritarian governance practices in the United States.

Exploring Trump's International Relationships

Clinton referenced specific accolades Trump has for Putin, highlighting a remark by a former Australian prime minister.

According to her, Trump exhibited significant admiration towards Putin during their interactions, which Clinton described as problematic for democratic governance.

"We haven’t talked much about the international arena, but, you know, his bromance with Putin. It was called that I think by the former prime minister of Australia," Clinton explained.

She further elaborated on the characteristics admired by Trump, including harmful actions toward the opposition and a disregard for checks and balances.

A Glimpse into Clinton's Perspectives on Authoritarianism

"That’s what Trump wants," Clinton said during the interview. This comment was directed at Putin's actions, which she fears Trump might emulate if given another term. Her concerns revolve around the erosion of democratic norms and increased authoritarian practices.

"He sees Putin, he sees Xi, he sees Kim Jong-un in North Korea. Those are the people he is modeling himself after," Clinton added. This reflection in the podcast sheds light on what might be a concerning shift in U.S. leadership style, drawing from examples known for their stringent control over power.

Legislative Responses and Contextual Developments

Contextually, the interview happens alongside legislative actions potentially affecting Trump.

Representative Bennie Thompson has introduced the DISGRACED Act, which, if passed, would strip Trump of Secret Service protection following a conviction in his ongoing trial. This move highlights the serious legal and ethical concerns surrounding Trump's actions and potential future governance style.

In a previous discussion in September 2023 with Jen Psaki, Clinton warned of the risks of foreign interference in American elections, particularly pointing at Putin's potential involvement in the 2024 presidential elections.

These discussions come in the light of a report by Special Counsel John Durham in May 2023, which critiqued the DOJ and FBI's initial investigation into Trump’s campaign, suggesting undue influence. The report also unearthed intelligence that hinted at Clinton’s campaign possibly planning to associate Trump with Putin.

Reflections on Democracy and the Path Ahead

Clinton's final thoughts in her recent podcast interview emphasized the critical point that democracy is at a potential crossroads. "We sure don’t want to go down that again," she remarked, referencing negative historical instances where leaders followed authoritarian regimes.

Throughout her discussions, Clinton consistently underscored the importance of safeguarding democratic principles and preventing a shift towards authoritarianism that could be mirrored in Trump’s admiration for dominating leaders.

In conclusion, Hillary Clinton's observations and warnings provide significant insight into the potential implications of Trump’s continued admiration for authoritarian figures on global democracy, especially if he reassumes the U.S. presidency.

From legislative pushbacks against Trump to the analysis of his international admiration traits highlighted by Clinton, the discourse surrounding the 2024 presidential election continues to be a complex weave of political, legal, and ethical considerations, with democracy’s resilience hanging in the balance.