by Carl Hoffman
First published 2020
Carl Hoffman embarks on an ambitious investigation into the heart of Trump's political machine. The veteran journalist who has reported from the world's most dangerous places now turns his attention to a different kind of terrain: the fervent crowds that pack Trump rallies across America. Hoffman doesn't just observe from the press pen. He waits in line for over 170 hours with Trump's most devoted supporters, earning their trust and gaining access to their inner circle. His journey takes him five thousand miles through the American heartland, from Minnesota to Texas, Louisiana to New Hampshire, during the critical period from Trump's impeachment through the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Rather than focusing on Trump's statements, Hoffman examines the tens of thousands who fill these arenas. He explores what they see in Trump and the powerful connection that forms between president and crowd. The result is an unprecedented look at Trump's base as both political force and cultural phenomenon, revealing how these traveling gatherings became the combustible core of a movement that reshaped American politics.
Genres: american, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, journalism, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: insider-perspective, social-commentary
Setting: America, Minnesota, Texas, Louisiana, New Hampshire
Period: Trump Impeachment, Coronavirus Pandemic
249 pages · Hardcover · Mariner Books