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Description
It's no secret that the Republicans are aiming for a generation-long realignment that will establish them as the majority party for the rest of our lifetimes. But few people outside the far right understand what that means. Any realignment has huge effects on political culture, and this one is more ambitious than any other in our history, including the Democratic takeover in the 1930s. It is the first deliberate realignment. It involves cultural changes—in the media and in the academy—that were never part of previous realignments. And it encompasses institutional changes in areas like foreign policy and the judiciary, whose independence was always respected in the past. Every aspect of society and every office of government is being turned to the purpose of strengthening Republican institutions—businesses, evangelical Protestant churches—and weakening Democratic ones, such as unions and consumer groups. Building Red America will bring home to readers for the first time the true extent of the Republican takeover of American politics, by revealing the chief architects of political revolution. The result is a masterful—and disturbing—work of political journalism that challenges all of us to wake up and take heed before the world has changed beyond recognition.
A Washington Post Best Political Book of 2006
About the Author
Thomas B. Edsall covered national politics for twenty-five years at the Washington Post. He is now a correspondent for the New Republic and the National Journal. He was a guest columnist in 2006 for the New York Times, and holds the Pulitzer-Moore Chair in Public Affairs Journalism at Columbia University in New York. His previous book, Chain Reaction: The Impact of Race, Rights, and Taxes, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 1992. He lives in New York and Washington, D.C.
“Edsall’s book is … expansive and daring, traversing economic and demographic trends, history, culture, ideology and political institutions, armed with a bucket full of statistics, to map the external conditions that make those tactics possible.”
— The Washington Monthly
“It's politics-plus, journalism-plus. It's about what political outcomes actually mean to individuals, groups, institutions. It's what happens as a result of speeches, campaign contributions, writing legislation, with self interest and ideology in the saddle….Edsall's endnotes of 61 pages often include internet addresses for readers who want to see the full documents he cites. Something more such books should provide. I believe he is one of the very best and most original political writers of his day.”
— Savannah Morning News
Impressive political analysis, anchoring electoral trends in the larger demographic, social, business and moral environment.
— Kirkus Reviews
“…comprehensive and insightful…With depth and journalistic clarity, Edsall illustrates exactly why, more than ever, Democrats need their own Karl Rove.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Thomas Edsall is a social scientist's reporter and a creative scholar, asking and answering big important questions.”
— David Brady, Bowen H. and Janice Arthur McCoy Professor of Political Science, Graduate School of Business, Professor of Political Science, Stanford University
“Tom Edsall is a pioneer who has reshaped our understanding and coverage of modern politics. There are not many reporters who push so hard for something beyond the usual stuff.”
— Bill McInturff, Co-Director, NBC News/Wall Street Journal National Poll
"I look to Tom Edsall's articles and books for a rich blending of fresh insights and rock-solid reporting on topics ranging from race to money in politics.”
— Thomas E. Mann, , W. Averell Harriman Chair and Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution
“Tom Edsall is the finest ‘big picture’ journalist in America.”
— Merle Black, author of The Rise of Southern Republicans
“Thomas Edsall [is] a subtle and sophisticated political reporter who often spots counter-conventional trends long before everyone else.”
— Mickey Kaus, Kausfiles.com
“Tom Edsall is the best political reporter in America. His new book, Building Red America, makes a good case for why the Republicans are likely to stay a step ahead of the Democrats over the next few elections. I hope he is wrong, but Edsall, who brings a host of new considerations to bear, is a hard person to argue with.”
— John Judis, author of Folly of Empire
“Tom Edsall has yet again produced a deep and brilliant synthesis on the country’s political deadlock and the liberals’ incapacity. He shines the searchlight of his vast experience and learning on the Republican machinery of power, and also on the economic, demographic, and cultural trends that cannot be brushed aside if the party of unreason and belligerence is to be overcome. Tough-minded, refusing easy comfort and gimmickry, this is a sobering and indispensable book.”
— Todd Gitlin, author of The Intellectuals and the Flag
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