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aaroninpages's review against another edition
5.0
It saddens me to see the party that drives my interest in politics got degraded from within. I always thought this is a result of the last six years when Trump is starting to take a hold on the modern GOP.
Stevens concisely and brilliantly describes every hypocrisy the modern GOP has, and it fits very well in a short book.
Stevens concisely and brilliantly describes every hypocrisy the modern GOP has, and it fits very well in a short book.
richardiporter's review against another edition
3.0
Students of politics and history and the current moment in American history should strongly consider reading this book.
Stevens compellingly demonstrates from an insiders' perspective how the Republican Party from Goldwater onward became a party more and more dedicated to White Supremacy and suppression of "others" and in particular Black People.
He shows that Trump, far from an aberration is the natural albeit despicable result of this trend. Were it not for him there would be someone similarly odious.
The core premise is that messaging of "morality, fiscal discipline and peace, and security were "all a lie" covering up the naked efforts to retain power through oppression. Which has simply become more exposed over time.
Like the Trump administration as a whole there are "lots of secrets, but few surprises" here.
3 Star reviews mean this was a solid book. I probably won’t read it again but I could. I may recommend it to people interested in this sort of topic. No argument from me if you love this book.
Stevens compellingly demonstrates from an insiders' perspective how the Republican Party from Goldwater onward became a party more and more dedicated to White Supremacy and suppression of "others" and in particular Black People.
He shows that Trump, far from an aberration is the natural albeit despicable result of this trend. Were it not for him there would be someone similarly odious.
The core premise is that messaging of "morality, fiscal discipline and peace, and security were "all a lie" covering up the naked efforts to retain power through oppression. Which has simply become more exposed over time.
Like the Trump administration as a whole there are "lots of secrets, but few surprises" here.
3 Star reviews mean this was a solid book. I probably won’t read it again but I could. I may recommend it to people interested in this sort of topic. No argument from me if you love this book.
ifyouhappentoremember's review against another edition
5.0
In the end, the Republican Party rallied behind Trump because if that was the deal needed to regain power, what was the problem? Because it had always been about power.
The rest? The principles? The values? It was all a lie.
This book was like spending the day at a Korean spa while watching the person who bullied you in middle school embarrass themselves on live tv. The absolute VINDICATION of having what you always thought to be true about the Republican Party leadership be confirmed by a Republican political operative is one of my best moments of the year. It has always been about power for the Republican Party.
Every Democratic Operative needs to read this book to understand what is happening to the Republican Party.
The rest? The principles? The values? It was all a lie.
This book was like spending the day at a Korean spa while watching the person who bullied you in middle school embarrass themselves on live tv. The absolute VINDICATION of having what you always thought to be true about the Republican Party leadership be confirmed by a Republican political operative is one of my best moments of the year. It has always been about power for the Republican Party.
Every Democratic Operative needs to read this book to understand what is happening to the Republican Party.
jmclincoln's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook.
Starting 1980, I spent my career working overseas during the rise of right wing radio and TV. I’ve felt like a fish-out-of-water politically since my return. I don’t recognize the Republican Party that I grew up with. Where would Eisenhower fit today? How about even daddy Bush? Thank you to Mr. Stevens for explaining and describing the changes in the Republican Party over the past 50 years. My family were dedicated Republicans; my dad even voted for Goldwater.
Now I understand what happened and why I do not find the Republican Party a welcoming political party with a focus on the future.
Starting 1980, I spent my career working overseas during the rise of right wing radio and TV. I’ve felt like a fish-out-of-water politically since my return. I don’t recognize the Republican Party that I grew up with. Where would Eisenhower fit today? How about even daddy Bush? Thank you to Mr. Stevens for explaining and describing the changes in the Republican Party over the past 50 years. My family were dedicated Republicans; my dad even voted for Goldwater.
Now I understand what happened and why I do not find the Republican Party a welcoming political party with a focus on the future.
jrobles76's review against another edition
5.0
"Burn it to the ground and start over." Starts a letter to the reader printed on the back of the book jacket. Purchased the book immediately after hearing him on Why is this Happening with Chris Hayes. Literally! I finished the podcast on the way to the bookstore. Great, quick read. A masterful indictment of how the Republican party betrayed it's values for mere power. A must read for your Trump supporting uncle.
amyvt98's review against another edition
4.0
Not a lot of new info for those who have been following the demise of the GOP, but this book needed to be written, and Stevens does a good job making his case.
kstumpf's review against another edition
5.0
I only wish the people that should really read this book, would actually read this book. But I know any of them would consider this book blasphemous.
As a right leaning moderate, fiscal conservative who gladly can say I never even though of voting for DJT in either election, this book was even more eye opening than I imagined.
As a right leaning moderate, fiscal conservative who gladly can say I never even though of voting for DJT in either election, this book was even more eye opening than I imagined.
maariitza's review against another edition
4.0
while one is certainly aware of all the strategies used by politicians, such as by dividing the black vote in order for republicans to prevail, it’s interesting to see someone admit to it so openly, and even elaborate on specifics regarding such things, especially the cognitive dissonance that is required; after reading, it’s only more evident that the republican party truly has no integrity when it comes to overpowering everyone else. overall, I think stevens offers an insightful depiction of the evolution of the republican party, especially considering his own part in the ordeal.