Reviews - Mad House: How Donald Trump, MAGA Mean Girls, a Former Used Car Salesman, a Florida Nepo Baby, and a Man with Rats in His Walls Broke Congress

searing exposé that delves into the chaotic inner workings of the 118th U.S. Congress. Karni and Broadwater, seasoned congressional correspondents, provide a detailed account of a legislative body in turmoil, where personal ambition often trumps public service.

The book opens with the downfall of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, portrayed as a leader more interested in appeasement than governance. His tenure is marked by concessions to the far-right faction of his party, ultimately leading to his ousting a first in U.S. history. This sets the stage for a Congress dominated by performative politics and internal strife.

Central figures like Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Lauren Boebert are depicted as emblematic of a new breed of politician more focused on media attention and personal brand than legislative accomplishments. Gaetz’s confrontational tactics and Greene’s sensationalist displays, such as presenting explicit images during hearings, underscore a shift towards spectacle over substance.

The narrative also highlights the transformation of the Republican Party into a vessel for Trumpism. Lawmakers like Nancy Mace, once critical of Trump, recalibrate their positions to align with the MAGA base, illustrating the party’s ideological shift.

On the Democratic side, the book doesn’t shy away from criticism. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s private plea for President Biden to step down in 2024 reveals internal doubts about leadership and electability. This moment reflects broader concerns within the party about direction and effectiveness.

Karni and Broadwater’s reporting paints a picture of a Congress where governance is secondary to personal ambition and media manipulation. The 2024 elections, resulting in a Republican trifecta, are portrayed not as a mandate for policy but as a triumph of political theater

cdbsquigs's review against another edition

4.0

informative medium-paced

tcheer4life's review

5.0

informative medium-paced

A book showing why our Congress gets nothing done.

khrystalynne's review against another edition

4.5

dark funny informative medium-paced

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