First published 2001
George Will examines the conservative movement's ambitious plans and subsequent disappointments during the 1990s. He opens with the mid-decade moment when conservatives believed they could revolutionize American politics and governance. Will traces their discovery that complex nations resist radical change. His columns cover the gap between political theory and practice across diverse subjects. He writes about political correctness invading college campuses, the 1996 presidential race, judicial activism, extreme fighting, ESPN, and Corvettes. Will applies his sharp wit and linguistic skill to these topics. The collection captures history as it happened, written under newspaper deadlines. Together these pieces form a detailed picture of an era when conservatives faced tribulations while liberals adapted to new political realities. Will offers readers a guide through the confusing terrain where contemporary political ideas meet actual governance.
Genres: 20th-century, american, political-science, politics, non-fiction, biography-memoir, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-perspective, social-commentary
Period: 1990s
384 pages · ebook · Scribner Book Company