The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics
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Create Date:2021-06-23 18:31:07
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Author:Steve Benen
ISBN:006302649X
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Reviews
Clay,
True, if you've been even mildly interested in politics over the last two decades, most of this will be familiar, especially the parts from the last 4-5 years。 But it is chilling, sad, and sometimes shocking how far the GOP has fallen in all that time。 True, if you've been even mildly interested in politics over the last two decades, most of this will be familiar, especially the parts from the last 4-5 years。 But it is chilling, sad, and sometimes shocking how far the GOP has fallen in all that time。 。。。more
Scott Holstad,
About as perfect as you can get in accurately describing the most toxic, treasonous time and party in American history。 Sedition anyone? When you follow fascists whose heroes include Hitler, Putin and the like, well, you get tales of shitholes like this one。 Stunning it's happened here in America。 Stunning 70 million Americans want to be fascist Nazi christian nationalists desiring to "exterminate" everyone else, starting with Democrats (as seen and heard before and during the violent attack to About as perfect as you can get in accurately describing the most toxic, treasonous time and party in American history。 Sedition anyone? When you follow fascists whose heroes include Hitler, Putin and the like, well, you get tales of shitholes like this one。 Stunning it's happened here in America。 Stunning 70 million Americans want to be fascist Nazi christian nationalists desiring to "exterminate" everyone else, starting with Democrats (as seen and heard before and during the violent attack to overthrow the US government in January 2021)。 If you disagree, that's your prerogative, but they it's likely you're one of these fourth dimensional right wing nutjobs whose own personal fantasies equate to reality in their mind, while typically having nothing at all to do with reality, much like Trump following the election。 The truth hurts and the truth is there are some 70 million so-called americans who are traitors out there。 This book does a good job at explaining how their politicians led the way。 Required reading for thinking people; really helpful reading for non-thinking people willing to give it a chance。 。。。more
Kato Justus,
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BOOK REVIEW: Steve Benen’s book “The Impostor’s” is excellent。 Packed with twenty years of evidence to support his supposition that Republicans only interest is to gain and keep power through any means necessary。 They have lost the ability to govern and legislate in any meaningful way。 They exist to serve only as a coalition of opposition to impede progress that benefits “We the People。” Republicans primary goal is to provide tax cuts for rich and powerful corporations and to release th ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BOOK REVIEW: Steve Benen’s book “The Impostor’s” is excellent。 Packed with twenty years of evidence to support his supposition that Republicans only interest is to gain and keep power through any means necessary。 They have lost the ability to govern and legislate in any meaningful way。 They exist to serve only as a coalition of opposition to impede progress that benefits “We the People。” Republicans primary goal is to provide tax cuts for rich and powerful corporations and to release these entities from all legal liability and responsibility。 This is evidenced by the fact that they hire staffs of marketing and communications experts rather than legislative lawyers。 These marketing and communication experts create fear and conflict by laser focusing messaging on cultural hot topics。 In general the apex of this messaging focuses on God, guns, gays, immigrants, reproductive and minority rights and of late, Dr。 Seuss。 While the GOP stirs the emotional conflicts they also work to unravel social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare。 You will agree with Bennen by the time you finish the book。 Until the Republican Party reforms itself as a party interested in legislation and governing no one should support or vote for them。 Benen writes with a sharp elbow sarcasm that’s sure to bring a smile to your face。 I highly recommend this substantial book as well worth the time and money because it will inform the way you vote。If you are interested in this topic then the perfect follow up book to read next is: It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump While Bennen’s book outlines what the GOP is doing Steven’s book gives the dirty nitty-gritty of how and why。 By: @KatoJustus4 。。。more
Holly Dolezalek,
This is an excellent explication of how Trump's positions aren't that different (if at all) from mainstream Republicans。 But Benen lets Trump off the hook by characterizing him as ignorant or confused。 He is that, of course, but he's not ignorant or confused about his own goals。 He is far more malevolent than that。 His ignorance and confusion are a screen for what he really wants to accomplish, which is almost often to his own benefit and the nation's detriment。 Benen makes the same mistake with This is an excellent explication of how Trump's positions aren't that different (if at all) from mainstream Republicans。 But Benen lets Trump off the hook by characterizing him as ignorant or confused。 He is that, of course, but he's not ignorant or confused about his own goals。 He is far more malevolent than that。 His ignorance and confusion are a screen for what he really wants to accomplish, which is almost often to his own benefit and the nation's detriment。 Benen makes the same mistake with other Republicans, and doesn't take the thread to its logical conclusion: Republicans are a post-policy party because they no longer represent actual people。 Their policy goals are not intended to benefit the citizens of this country; they're intended to meet the wishes of their largest donors。 Given that conflict, it's far easier to accomplish their unpopular aims through propaganda, misdirection, professed ignorance of contrary facts, and outright lying。 This, in turn, creates an increasingly confused and ignorant base, which finds it easier to support them than entertain unwelcome information。 So what do we do about that? 。。。more
Paul E。 Johnson,
Depressingly excellent book。 What great documentation of the sickness that is called republican。 Very hard to come away from it without feeling hopeless。 We need better education in the USA。
Hannah,
This was a great book! Benen really brought his receipts while analyzing one of the most impactful political shifts of a generation。 It was tough reading it in 2020 but was also the perfect year to。
Kris,
Even though some of the arguments are very obvious, Benen writes with such ease and creates a flowing narrative while constructing a timeline that highlights how the GOP has become a party of post policy。 Several times reading this made my blood pressure rise。 A must read for anyone who cares about American democracy and what’s at stake。 Also give as a gift to anyone you know as a Republican because I doubt they can name any effective policies。。。The book does make you wonder, what more could Oba Even though some of the arguments are very obvious, Benen writes with such ease and creates a flowing narrative while constructing a timeline that highlights how the GOP has become a party of post policy。 Several times reading this made my blood pressure rise。 A must read for anyone who cares about American democracy and what’s at stake。 Also give as a gift to anyone you know as a Republican because I doubt they can name any effective policies。。。The book does make you wonder, what more could Obama have accomplished if he had a supporting congress his entire presidency? And why are idiots like Rubio and Moscow Mitch still in positions of power? 。。。more
Christi,
A very readable book explaining how Republicans have quit governing。 Republicans are effectively impostors whose sole focus is the pursuit and maintenance of power。 The Republican Party has walked away from the hard work of policymaking。 It is disdainful of expertise and hostile toward evidence and arithmetic。 It does not know, and does not care, about how policy should be crafted, scrutinized, or implemented。 This policy nihilism dominated the party's posture throughout Barack Obama's presidenc A very readable book explaining how Republicans have quit governing。 Republicans are effectively impostors whose sole focus is the pursuit and maintenance of power。 The Republican Party has walked away from the hard work of policymaking。 It is disdainful of expertise and hostile toward evidence and arithmetic。 It does not know, and does not care, about how policy should be crafted, scrutinized, or implemented。 This policy nihilism dominated the party's posture throughout Barack Obama's presidency, which in turn opened the door to Donald Trump, who would cement the GOP's post-policy status。 。。。more
Michael Hutchison,
This book is a great read。 The information in the book is incontestable, compelling, persuasive and the info is all easily fact checked。 The story of how the Republican party became the "post policy party" in pursuit of more and more power, while relinquishing any claim to actually govern。 The duplicity of the Republican party shouts from the pages。 Chronicled in the book are the deceitfulness and deception of individual representatives over their year of disservice。 The double dealing and betra This book is a great read。 The information in the book is incontestable, compelling, persuasive and the info is all easily fact checked。 The story of how the Republican party became the "post policy party" in pursuit of more and more power, while relinquishing any claim to actually govern。 The duplicity of the Republican party shouts from the pages。 Chronicled in the book are the deceitfulness and deception of individual representatives over their year of disservice。 The double dealing and betrayals with President Obama。 The documented lunacy of Trump, his so called administration and the parties capitulation to Trump。 With so much chatter and information bombardment in todays world it is so easy to forget much of what has happened。 This book kind of puts the events in a timeline where I would continuously be saying to myself, "oh yea, I remember that"。 I would highly recommend this book to all, especially Republicans who suffer from a misconception of what the real Republican party is。 。。。more
Dick Heimbold,
This is an important book。 It fills in information about how the Republican Party degenerated to today's condition, where it's "platform" is simply to follow Trump's agenda。 No kidding, check its single page out at the RNC site on the Internet。 For contrast, the Democratic platform is a ninety two-page document describing positions of the party in many areas of national life。 Plenty of food for thought here。 This is an important book。 It fills in information about how the Republican Party degenerated to today's condition, where it's "platform" is simply to follow Trump's agenda。 No kidding, check its single page out at the RNC site on the Internet。 For contrast, the Democratic platform is a ninety two-page document describing positions of the party in many areas of national life。 Plenty of food for thought here。 。。。more
Pat,
Bemen’s thesis of “post-policy politics” explains in detail how over the years the GOP has ceased to be concerned with policy making and instead prefers to tear down previous policies of the Democrats and act as obstructionists to substantive governance。 With endless examples of how this approach lead us to a President Trump, I got what I was after when I chose this book which was an answer to how the hell did we get here? I began the book prior to the defeat of #45 and finishing it now, when th Bemen’s thesis of “post-policy politics” explains in detail how over the years the GOP has ceased to be concerned with policy making and instead prefers to tear down previous policies of the Democrats and act as obstructionists to substantive governance。 With endless examples of how this approach lead us to a President Trump, I got what I was after when I chose this book which was an answer to how the hell did we get here? I began the book prior to the defeat of #45 and finishing it now, when the failed real estate developer/reality-show entertainer/impeached president/one term POTUS turned cardboard cutout of a chaos creator-in-chief continues to sow doubt in our country’s electoral process and is largely propped up by his GOP sycophants and enablers I am in no way reassured that the stain that his time in the White House leaves will be removed in my lifetime。 Nor will the deep divide in the citizenry DJT adroitly capitalized upon and continues to feed into be healed any time soon。 。。。more
Heather,
Depressing but interesting book。 Mr。 Bremen goes into great detail about how the Republican Party is post-policy party topic by topic。(90% of the book) But I feel like a lot of the why was left out。 I thought of several more possibilities (laziness, apathy, racism, age, length of time serving etc etc) that we’re not touched on at all that would of been interesting to do more speculation on。 Also is this seen at any other history point? What about other countries? Isn’t the UK going through somet Depressing but interesting book。 Mr。 Bremen goes into great detail about how the Republican Party is post-policy party topic by topic。(90% of the book) But I feel like a lot of the why was left out。 I thought of several more possibilities (laziness, apathy, racism, age, length of time serving etc etc) that we’re not touched on at all that would of been interesting to do more speculation on。 Also is this seen at any other history point? What about other countries? Isn’t the UK going through something similar now, so is this a cultural thing? 。。。more
Kathleen,
The election was in full swing as I listened to this book。 And if you are hopeful that the results will turn us once again into an imperfect but functioning democracy then you really need to read this book。 It isn’t Trump。 Year by painful year, step by step Benen lays out how the Republicans found actual governing tedious and decided to trade only in propaganda instead。 It has been a thirty year process。 It culminated in there being no platform at all for the 2020 election。 And Trump still manag The election was in full swing as I listened to this book。 And if you are hopeful that the results will turn us once again into an imperfect but functioning democracy then you really need to read this book。 It isn’t Trump。 Year by painful year, step by step Benen lays out how the Republicans found actual governing tedious and decided to trade only in propaganda instead。 It has been a thirty year process。 It culminated in there being no platform at all for the 2020 election。 And Trump still managed to garner about 48% of the electorate。 Politics more than ever is tribal。 The electorate largely chooses their candidates based on social circles or how they were raised, and there is a lingering idea that both parties have specific agendas。 But it just is not so。 Most of the events will not be surprising to anyone who follows political news。 But the condensation of the events and linking together the events into the single theme will infuriate you。 Or it should。 。。。more
Stevan Ranney,
The preponderance of evidence points to a lack of policy / planning / execution on the part of one party。 However, this book is heavily one-sided and could have used more balance。 Because I was familiar with most of the data / arguments in this book, felt like I learned little。
Leo Walsh,
Steve Benen's THE IMPOSTERS: HOW THE REPUBLICNS QUITE GOVERNING AND SEIZED AMERICAN POLITICS is a very interesting look at a disturbing reality: America's center-right party has long abandoned governing。 Instead, they've become adept at winning election, thanks to billionaire donors and Fox News, who repackages and sells pro-billionaire solutions to hard-working Americans, often through disinformation or outright lies。 But when it comes to actually governing, the jobs they;ve been elected to do, Steve Benen's THE IMPOSTERS: HOW THE REPUBLICNS QUITE GOVERNING AND SEIZED AMERICAN POLITICS is a very interesting look at a disturbing reality: America's center-right party has long abandoned governing。 Instead, they've become adept at winning election, thanks to billionaire donors and Fox News, who repackages and sells pro-billionaire solutions to hard-working Americans, often through disinformation or outright lies。 But when it comes to actually governing, the jobs they;ve been elected to do, the GOP is clueless。Benin talks through many instances of this trend, beginning with Gingrich。 The starkest is how, despite bitching about Obamacare and voting dozens of times to "abolish" it for a decade when they knew Obama would veto the legislation, when they had the House, Senate, and Trump in the White House, it turned out that they had no plan。 Think about it。 Ten years。 A lot of screaming and ink spent on telling the American people how bad Obamacare was, and yet they had NO PLAN。 Wow。This book's coverage stops well short of the current COVID crisis, but the pattern Benen uncovers applies to that as well。 Consider that Trump has no real plan, and is ignoring the advice of doctors。 He's spinning a tale that America's COVID epidemic is less deadly than it really is, and that compared to Europe, we've crushed it yout of the park。 This is not so。 ANd yet Fox helps Trump spin this, and you have vast swathes of the US populations in GOP-run states declining to wear masks, causing needless death and suffering。 All told, a thoughtful bit of meta-analysis regarding current events。 Four-stars。 。。。more
Lani,
For the past four years, I have been obsessively reading book after book about the Trump era and its genesis in an effort to understand the insanity of the current political climate。 More than any book I've read, Steve Benen's "The Imposters" presents a reasoned (albeit ugly) explanation of how we arrived at the cliff edge of losing our democracy。 Beginning with Obama's election in 2008 and McConnell's declaration that he would see to it that Obama became a one-term president, Benen demonstrates For the past four years, I have been obsessively reading book after book about the Trump era and its genesis in an effort to understand the insanity of the current political climate。 More than any book I've read, Steve Benen's "The Imposters" presents a reasoned (albeit ugly) explanation of how we arrived at the cliff edge of losing our democracy。 Beginning with Obama's election in 2008 and McConnell's declaration that he would see to it that Obama became a one-term president, Benen demonstrates how the Republican Party gave up on evidence-based policymaking in favor of obstruction for obstruction sake, where the only thing that matters is holding on to power。 For the most part, Benen stays away from the issue of motive, although it takes no great leap of logic to note that the Republicans' incalcitrance coincided with the election of the first Black president。 Also, without saying so expressly, Benen's analysis acts as a powerful call for a new, re-formed conservative party, ready to participate in principle-based debate and governance。 。。。more
Paul Grazulis,
Republican Party = Post-policy party? Read, and be convinced。The book presents a thesis that I never considered, yet is legitimate for the present day - that the Republican party of today is a POST-POLICY party。 I found his argument true, well supported by facts and very relevant to the future of our political system and country。 Read it and see if what he presents is not true with regards to what has occurred in the last decades and what we are witnessing on the eve of Election 2020。
Andrea Johnson,
If you ever wondered why we’re in the mess we are now, this is the book for you!Benen talks about how the Republican party became the party of “no” even among themselves。 He details how they flip their positions on everything (like deficits and debt) when it suits them, how they ignore their hypocrisy and real statistics when it suits them, and how they only care about power and don’t want to really govern。In fact, several times in Obama presidency, the Republicans figuratively cut off their nos If you ever wondered why we’re in the mess we are now, this is the book for you!Benen talks about how the Republican party became the party of “no” even among themselves。 He details how they flip their positions on everything (like deficits and debt) when it suits them, how they ignore their hypocrisy and real statistics when it suits them, and how they only care about power and don’t want to really govern。In fact, several times in Obama presidency, the Republicans figuratively cut off their noses to spite their faces by shutting down the government and not raising the debt ceiling。 They basically went into negotiations without being willing to negotiate – it was their way or the highway。A line from the book: “Republicans weren’t trying to govern; they were trying to extort。”All in all a great informative read and show why this election is so important and why we need to VOTE THEM OUT!!! 。。。more
Madelon,
THE IMPOSTORS: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics is an excoriation of the Republican Party。 Their agenda vis a vis governing is non-existent。 There single objective is to get elected then ignore the very real job of legislating。 Ideology is everything, consequences be damned。It is disheartening, to say the least, to read book after book about the current state of our union。 I have spent the last four years trying to not use Trump's name。 When forced to do so for clarity THE IMPOSTORS: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics is an excoriation of the Republican Party。 Their agenda vis a vis governing is non-existent。 There single objective is to get elected then ignore the very real job of legislating。 Ideology is everything, consequences be damned。It is disheartening, to say the least, to read book after book about the current state of our union。 I have spent the last four years trying to not use Trump's name。 When forced to do so for clarity, I refuse to capitalize it when posting on social media。 Steve Benen often shares my little quirk by not referring to him by name or title, but by simply calling him the Republican。 In my opinion, it is the perfect insult to the Republican Party。 I saw it as sticking a finger in the eye of the do-nothings in Washington。Somehow, I cannot write any of the buzzwords in use today regarding the Republican Party's non-governance。 I actually found it comforting to read that Republican legislators have eschewed competent staff that can assist in researching and crafting legislation in favor of "communications staffers" with the principal responsibility of "writing talking points and raising their bosses’ media profiles。" It meant that I was not seeing and hearing things when legislators spoke out of both sides of their mouths。 I am in favor of the media not using hyperbole of any kind when Republicans make outrageous statements。 Such utterances are not mind-boggling, they are the norm。The Republican Party is a post-policy party。 Benen contrasts the work of Obama's administration and the work of both Democrats and Republicans regarding the major issues of healthcare, immigration, budget and taxation, and mass shootings and gun control with the work (or lack thereof) done during "the Republican's" administration。 Republicans enjoy control over the Executive and Legislative branches of government yet can get nothing accomplished。I could use any (or all) of the many highlights I made while reading this on Kindle。 I will include just one: "The most effective impetus to changing the GOP’s post-policy posture, however, will be external pressures that leave Republican leaders with the impression that the status quo is untenable。 Some of this should come from independent news organizations that have too often been negligent, signaling to the party and voters that policy is trivia of limited importance to the American mainstream。"Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, this is a book well worth reading。 Although I've lived through everything that is mentioned in the book, I did learn a thing or two and found that I was limited in my thinking when berating the Republican personally; we should be demanding accountability from the party that allowed a reality TV narcissist to occupy the highest office in the land。 。。。more
Sandy,
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 With election around the corner and the impending appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice, I felt this was a timely read。 The book is an expose on the Republican party and their failure to governor and be the party of obstructionist。 Ultimately, it is a very depressing book reading what is happening in our government。
AJ,
An excellent framing and cataloguing of the downslide of the modern Republican Party。
Johnny Williams,
If you are a student of current politics or intensely interested in digging into current political flings on, then you will find this book a treasure。 Steve’s point,I my opinion is not to uncover some new political bombshell, but instead provide an account of how Republicans chose their pathway to their party’s current political positions。 He argues with facts and events that the new Republican Party is all about messaging and resisting the left as paramount and has cast their responsibility of If you are a student of current politics or intensely interested in digging into current political flings on, then you will find this book a treasure。 Steve’s point,I my opinion is not to uncover some new political bombshell, but instead provide an account of how Republicans chose their pathway to their party’s current political positions。 He argues with facts and events that the new Republican Party is all about messaging and resisting the left as paramount and has cast their responsibility of governing and policy development to one side。 You read actual events and statements that will at least sway you into understanding our current kettle of fish as far as politics is concerned。 Let me be sure to say that I personally believe that there are good and great Republicans in both chambers but fir sure they are in the minority and many times muzzled by the crowd。 。。。more
Kathy Ryan,
Excellent book filled with an examination of how the Republican party has devoted itself over the last 50 years to winning and retaining power with no interest or skill in actually governing。 Scary stuff。 Vote Blue!
Lynn,
Republicans Don’t Govern A very accessible, breezy book about the Republican decision to not govern but interfere with governing。 This is the boots in the ground version。 Not about how they get their money and how that influences them but discovering how to prevent the Democrats from getting anything done。 Oppose even if you have nothing else to offer。 Be belligerent and interfere and there will be a group of voters who will support and go after your adversary。 It’s pretty depressing and I think Republicans Don’t Govern A very accessible, breezy book about the Republican decision to not govern but interfere with governing。 This is the boots in the ground version。 Not about how they get their money and how that influences them but discovering how to prevent the Democrats from getting anything done。 Oppose even if you have nothing else to offer。 Be belligerent and interfere and there will be a group of voters who will support and go after your adversary。 It’s pretty depressing and I think there’s more to their madness including the Federalist Society but their methods were happened upon and surprised even them。 I think some structural changes needed in order for this American Democracy to survive and we are not yet sure what Republicans want to do。 Go down the path completely with Trump or change direction。 。。。more
Melanie,
Although the thesis would probably have been more explosive and original in a political landscape before Trump, this is still an insightful and well-reasoned look at the recent phenomenon of an entire political party refusing to govern, or even to take governance seriously。 The author breaks the book into a series of digestible historical looks at major issues of the day, and explores the political discourse on each to argue that they represent the evolution of a “post-policy party。” The theory Although the thesis would probably have been more explosive and original in a political landscape before Trump, this is still an insightful and well-reasoned look at the recent phenomenon of an entire political party refusing to govern, or even to take governance seriously。 The author breaks the book into a series of digestible historical looks at major issues of the day, and explores the political discourse on each to argue that they represent the evolution of a “post-policy party。” The theory is persuasive, horrifying, and dramatically important, especially in the run up to the November 2020 election。That said, the book was repetitive in parts, especially towards the end, when points and issues began to get regurgitated and reiterated。 The book also, frankly, needed a proofread desperately, and I encountered far more typos than I consider acceptable in a book distributed by a major publisher。4 stars, and well worth a read if you’re interested in politics/political science, or just want a primer/refresher on some of the debates and machinations surrounding the most important issues of the day。 。。。more
Jack,
The people who should read this book won’t。 Mr。 Benen argues that Republicans are a post policy party; however, they do get stuff done。 They have rolled back taxes on the wealthy and corporations。 They have removed environmental regulations。 They have also enacted to deregulate industry。 What the book doesn’t do is explain why。 Also, the book discusses how Republicans have eliminated staff policy positions and upped PR and media staff; however, doesn’t explain why。 What role do corporations and The people who should read this book won’t。 Mr。 Benen argues that Republicans are a post policy party; however, they do get stuff done。 They have rolled back taxes on the wealthy and corporations。 They have removed environmental regulations。 They have also enacted to deregulate industry。 What the book doesn’t do is explain why。 Also, the book discusses how Republicans have eliminated staff policy positions and upped PR and media staff; however, doesn’t explain why。 What role do corporations and the media play in the Republican agenda? That maybe another book, though。 。。。more
Larry,
Republicans are just disgusting human beings。 Not just these current Trumpists。 They have been for a long time。 Omelette dereliction of duty for what they have been selected to do - serve the country。 I may not agree with what they want to do, their policies - - but they won’t even do any governing。 They collect checks and block things。 Nothing else。 Terrible humans。
Fritzov,
America truly is a failed state and will never truly recover from this last 4 years of facism even if Biden wins in november。 This book tells the tale how the republican party doesn't care at all。 America truly is a failed state and will never truly recover from this last 4 years of facism even if Biden wins in november。 This book tells the tale how the republican party doesn't care at all。 。。。more
Laurie Hammons,
The author’s theory is that the Republican party has given up on creating policies, ideas that will move the country forward, and in this post-policy world, they rely on fact-free politicizing to attract followers。 You’d think that if your policies are not popular enough to win elections, you’d just improve your policies。 This book is an interesting and helpful, concise historical collection (memory refresher) of who said what and who did what for the past 50-80 years in the areas of economic po The author’s theory is that the Republican party has given up on creating policies, ideas that will move the country forward, and in this post-policy world, they rely on fact-free politicizing to attract followers。 You’d think that if your policies are not popular enough to win elections, you’d just improve your policies。 This book is an interesting and helpful, concise historical collection (memory refresher) of who said what and who did what for the past 50-80 years in the areas of economic policy, health care, climate change/energy policy, foreign policy, immigration, the budget, gun control, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, government shutdowns, think tanks。 It’s going to take some effort to get half the country thinking about facts and policies again。 。。。more
Bryan Craig,
This book argues that the Republican Party is a post-policy party, where it does not govern through policy anymore。 He uses healthcare, climate, budget, and immigration as examples。 (Just think back on the very, very thin plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act。)I tend to agree with this thesis, although I think there are a number of Republican members of Congress who still write legislation, so it is not a universal concept。 If you look at the weeds, you will find holes in his general argument。 This book argues that the Republican Party is a post-policy party, where it does not govern through policy anymore。 He uses healthcare, climate, budget, and immigration as examples。 (Just think back on the very, very thin plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act。)I tend to agree with this thesis, although I think there are a number of Republican members of Congress who still write legislation, so it is not a universal concept。 If you look at the weeds, you will find holes in his general argument。 And I wish he went further back to explore the change that started in the party。 He just mentions Gingrich's effects on cutting House staff who used to write legislation。 No staff, lobbyists began to write bills。 And he talks a little about Bush 43's term。 I think he could have fleshed this out a bit more, and it would be a better book。Benen is a producer on the Rachel Maddow show, and I am glad I read it。 If the Republican Party has a future, it must return to a policy party like the Democrats。 。。。more