Ep. #618: Richard Reeves, Maggie Haberman, Fareed Zakaria

Confidence Man is a comprehensive and detailed biography that explores Donald Trump's life, from his early days in Queens to his presidency and beyond. The book, written by Maggie Haberman, is based on extensive interviews with hundreds of sources, including Trump himself. It delves into the transactional relationships that shaped Trump's career, including those with significant figures like Roy Cohn, George Steinbrenner, and Rudy Giuliani. Haberman's work provides a nuanced portrait of Trump, highlighting his complexities, contradictions, and the broader societal context that enabled his rise to power. The book is praised for its meticulous reporting and its contribution to understanding one of the most consequential eras in American political history.

In 'Of Boys and Men,' Richard V. Reeves delves into the complex and urgent crisis of boyhood and manhood. He discusses how profound economic and social changes have led to many boys and men losing ground in education, the workplace, and family life. Reeves presents detailed research on the structural challenges, including lower academic performance, declining labor force participation, and the specific hardships faced by black boys and men. He argues that both conservative and progressive politicians have failed to provide effective solutions and offers fresh, innovative proposals such as delaying boys' entry into school, increasing male teachers, and improving vocational education. The book emphasizes the need for a positive vision of masculinity in a more equal world without compromising gender equality.