What Putnam misses is that we're struggling to form community because we've been forced to DIY society. Without unions or a decent safety net, most Americans are caught in precarity and have to put so much energy into paid work and unpaid care for family that they have nothing left for community.

…and memories of the violent mob he incited on January 6th in his attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after he lost the last election.

Our democracy will be tested, but it will survive.