There may be something to that.

Noteworthy point:

"Democracy" can have multiples meanings: "This is a democracy" vs "This is democracy in action"

"Republic" does not enjoy the same plurality of meaning: "The USA is a republic" vs. "this is republic in action*"

If one considers that the attorney possibly used "democracy" in the second meaning, aka 'democratic principles', then her use would seem quite valid.

There may be something to that.