we’d have federal laws that prevent fascists from getting into power.

A country riddled with fascists isn't going to pass laws against themselves. You (paradoxically) need to get rid of the fascists first, before you get rid of the fascist policy.

That's why we couldn't have pass the civil rights amendments until after secession. And why we didn't pass the Equal Rights (for women) amendment at all.

now we get to hope that the fascists don’t win.

Unfortunately, we've embraced fascism in both parties as the donor elites have tacked rightward. Harris striking common cause with the Cheneys might as well be a stake through the heart of American liberalism.