But that’s exactly how he views it. It’s re-education.
....And to the Republic for which it stands....
If the writers of the pledge wanted to use democracy they would have....we’re a republic.
I can find references at least as far back as Andrew Johnson's First Annual Message in 1864 where he states "Here exists the democratic form of government; and that form of government, by the confession of European statesmen," gives a power of which no other form is capable, because it incorporates every man with the state and arouses everything that belongs to the soul."
That he understood the difference is clear because earlier in his speech he stated.."From the moment of the establishment of our free Constitution the civilized world has been convulsed by revolutions in the interests of democracy or of monarchy, but through all those revolutions the United States have wisely and firmly refused to become propagandists of republicanism. It is the only government suited to our condition; but we have never sought to impose it on others, and we have consistently followed the advice of Washington to recommend it only by the careful preservation and prudent use of the blessing. "