I picked this one up from the Current Events shelf at my local public library here in Tyler. While the selection in that shelf is a bit limited, and mostly a bit heavy on the conservatives (Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, so on), once in a while there is something to balance. This book seemed similar to the Begala and Carville book I read a while back (and I need to add to my shelves as of this writing), so I figured I would take a chance on it. We'll see.

* * * *

I finished it. This is a book that takes you from "wtf" to just ouright rage to just makes you go "hmmm." The only reason I did not rate it higher is that I think at times the authors fail to make voters responsible for their fate. They argue that the Republicans have played a good con game, and they document this process. The Democrats, according to them, pretty much gave up the ground and did not contest. The result is the mess we are currently in. Their argument emphasizes that Democrats need to win back rural America. However, no matter how bamboozled or tricked those southern and rural voters may be, after a while you do have to hold them accountable as well for voting against their best interests and then getting the short end of the stick. Sooner or later people have to wake up when the ship is sinking. The irony is that historically the Democratic Party has been the party of the people, caring about the common good, but they have failed to remind readers of that. Jardin and Stevens outline how the democrats can remind voters of their accomplishments and their true values.

For the choir, this is more affirmation. The books is very well documented, which makes the case that much more compelling. I wish more people would actually read it and pay attention to it. I will say this, after reading, I cannot help but worry about this country. Are people ever going to wake up, or are they going to keep electing the same morons to office without even thinking? Definitely recommend this one. ( )