Rick Perlstein, an acclaimed author on American conservatism, joins the discussion to explore the media's failures in addressing Trump and the far right. He critiques how elite journalism often simplifies complex narratives and inadvertently enables right-wing movements. The conversation highlights the Democratic Party's tendency towards 'conservatism lite' and reflects on the historical evolution of conservative thought. Perlstein also examines the troubling relationship between polling, public sentiment, and the implications for democracy today.
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insights INSIGHT
Misjudging the Right
Rick Perlstein reflects on his 2017 mea culpa piece about misjudging the right.
He admits to previously downplaying the extremist elements and focusing too much on the establishment narrative.
insights INSIGHT
Journalistic Conventions
Perlstein critiques journalistic conventions that hinder accurate coverage of Trump and the far right.
He points to "sane washing," both-sidesism, and horse-race narratives as major issues.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Trump's Spokesman
Sam Adler-Bell mentions a New Yorker piece profiling Trump's spokesman, Stephen Chung.
The piece highlights how Chung's behind-the-scenes helpfulness allows journalists to cover the Trump campaign conventionally, despite his extreme public statements.
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The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America
Rick Perlstein
Rick Perlstein’s book recaptures America’s turbulent 1960s and early 1970s, revealing how Richard Nixon rose from political obscurity to seize and hold the presidency. The book begins with the 1965 Watts riots and spans through the political upheavals up to Nixon’s reelection in 1972. Perlstein’s narrative highlights how Nixon manipulated social and political events to shape the current political landscape, creating a deep rift in American society that persists to this day. The book is filled with prodigious research and vivid detail, making it a grand historical epic that sheds new light on modern American politics.
Finish What We Started
The MAGA Movement's Ground War to End Democracy
Isaac Arnsdorf
Finish What We Started tells the story of the ordinary Americans driving the MAGA movement, who they are, where they came from, what motivates them, and what their movement means for the survival of American democracy. Drawing on extensive, exclusive on-the-ground reporting and deepened by historical context, Isaac Arnsdorf combines critical and rigorous reporting with the intimacy and complexity of a novel. The book provides a defining account of the movement since Donald Trump transformed American politics and offers insights into its radicalization and future implications for democracy.
Hillbilly Elegy
A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
JD Vance
In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia. The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School. Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream. The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.
Lost in Gallup, Polling Failure in U.S. Presidential Elections
Lost in Gallup, Polling Failure in U.S. Presidential Elections
Polling Failure in U.S. Presidential Elections
W. Joseph Campbell
W. Joseph Campbell's "Lost in Gallup" delves into the history of polling failures in US presidential elections. The book uses case studies to illustrate how pollsters have misjudged election outcomes, highlighting the limitations and biases inherent in polling methodologies. Campbell analyzes the impact of these failures on the political landscape and public perception of polling accuracy. He explores the evolution of polling techniques and the challenges of accurately predicting election results. The book serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of relying solely on polls for understanding public opinion.
The storm before the storm
The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic
Duncan, Michael (Podcaster)
Mike Duncan
This book chronicles the years 146-78 BC, a period marked by the rise of economic inequality, social and ethnic prejudice, and rampant corruption, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Roman Republic. Duncan explores how men like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set new precedents that undermined the traditional principles of the Republic, leading it towards destruction. The book also draws parallels between the decline of the Roman Republic and contemporary political issues, highlighting the importance of maintaining democratic norms and addressing social and economic inequalities.
The invisible bridge
Rick Perlstein
The Invisible Bridge offers a compelling portrait of America during the 1970s, focusing on the fall of Richard Nixon and the rise of Ronald Reagan. The book delves into the Watergate scandal, the economic challenges of the era, and the cultural shifts that defined the decade. Perlstein's work is praised for its engaging narrative style and its ability to connect historical events to contemporary American politics.
The populist persuasion
Michael Kazin
In *The Populist Persuasion*, Michael Kazin provides a comprehensive analysis of populism in America, highlighting its adaptable nature and its role in conflicts between powerful elites and 'the people'. The book explores how populism has been used across the political spectrum to challenge established powers and ideologies. Kazin's work has significantly influenced debates on populism, especially in the context of recent political events like the 2016 elections and Brexit.
The Infernal Triangle
The Infernal Triangle
Authoritarian Republicans, Ineffectual Democrats, and a Clueless Media
Rick Perlstein
In 'The Infernal Triangle', Rick Perlstein explores the complex interplay between authoritarian Republicans, ineffectual Democrats, and a media that often fails to adequately address these dynamics. The book delves into how these elements have shaped American politics from 2000 to the present, highlighting issues like Republican viciousness, Democratic fecklessness, and media incompetence.
The author of several excellent books about the history of American conservatism, including The Invisible Bridge,Nixonland, and Reaganland, Rick Perlstein makes his triumphant return to Know Your Enemy. Drawing on Rick's wealth of historical knowledge, as well as his American Prospect column — entitled "The Infernal Triangle" — we explore the failures of American media elites and the Democratic Party to reckon with Donald Trump and his antecedents on the far right. What are the habits and genres of American journalism that inhibit an adequate accounting of Trump's rise and influence? Why do Democrats tend to adopt "conservatism lite," when faced with a far right opponent? How has Rick's perspective on studying the right changed since he began his work in the 1990s? And how will future historians make sense of these times? Listen to find out!
Know Your Enemy 
