by Thomas Frank
First published 2004
Thomas Frank investigates the political transformation of Kansas from a state known for radicalism into one of America's most conservative strongholds. The author explores a three decade conservative backlash against liberal establishments, focusing on how the Republican Party forged an unlikely coalition between blue collar Midwestern workers and Wall Street executives. Frank examines why millions of Americans vote against their own economic interests and traces the decline of middle American progressivism. He analyzes conservative popular culture, including bestselling books and radio talk shows, to reveal how cultural warfare shifted voter priorities from policy positions to personal values and authenticity. The book demonstrates how a group of fraternity members, attorneys, and corporate executives successfully convinced ordinary Americans that they represented common people's interests. Frank shows how conservatism evolved from a symbol of elite privilege into the political philosophy of working class voters across the nation.
Genres: 20th-century, american, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: social-commentary
Setting: Kansas
Period: 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
306 pages · Hardcover · Metropolitan Books