The Middle Out

The Rise of Progressive Economics

By: Michael Tomasky

Narrated by: Adam Barr

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Political journalist Michael Tomasky tracks an exciting change among progressive economists who are overturning decades of conservative dogma and offering an alternative version of capitalism that can serve broadly shared prosperity to all.

"Engaging, briskly paced ... On balance, history appears to be on Tomasky’s side." —The New York Times Book Review

In the first half of the twentieth century the Keynesian brand of economics, which saw government spending as a necessary spur to economic growth, prevailed. Then in the 1970s, conservatives fought back. Once they got people to believe a few simple ideas instead—that only the free market could produce growth, that taxes and regulation stifle growth—the battle was won. The era of conservative dogma, often called neoliberal economics, had begun. It ushered in increasing inequality, a shrinking middle class, and declining public investment. For fifty years, liberals have not been able to make a dent in it. Until now.

In The Middle Out, journalist Michael Tomasky narrates this history and reports on the work of today's progressive economists, who are using mountains of historical evidence to contradict neoliberal claims. Their research reveals conservative dogma to be unfounded and shows how concentrated wealth has been built on the exploitation of women, minorities, and the politically powerless. Middle-out economics, in contrast, is the belief that prosperity comes from a thriving middle class, and therefore government plays a role in supporting families and communities. This version of capitalism—more just, more equal, and in which prosperity is shared—could be the American future.

©2022 Michael Tomasky (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"In this engaging mix of partisanship and history, the editor of The New Republic argues that Democrats succeed when they focus on the ways big government can make the lives of ordinary Americans more economically secure."—The New York Times Book Review *Editor's Choice*

“Tomasky has written an engrossing history of ideas. It’s an incisive look at neoliberalism’s trajectory and the rise of a new intellectual model for truly shared prosperity. The Middle Out is critical to understanding our current political economy.”—Heather McGhee, New York Times bestselling author of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together

"One of America’s great liberal journalists tackles the great liberal problem of our age—the economic defenestration of democracy. Essential reading for those seeking to understand how we got into this mess, and how to get out."—Zachary D. Carter, author of The Price of Peace: Money, Democracy, and the Life of John Maynard Keynes

Startlingly Insightful

No need to swear to make your points . So many beautiful words. in the English language to utilize.

excellent info

this book has helped me see a new economic paradigm. I've left my Reaganomics behind.

Great for college students who want historical context for where we are today

As a college student who is not entirely familiar with a lot of the material discussed, this book does a wonderful job setting the scene and explaining the theories behind everything happening today. I want to run for state office someday, and this is exactly the knowledge I’ve been yearning for. I can’t put any political science or economics classes in my schedule, so I’m so grateful for this! Thank you!

Deep politics

The kind I am interested in.
The author is a true intellectual with very human insights on what drives population masses. A very practical guide to getting involved in politics.

More rhetoric than substance

How many ad hominem attacks and strawman arguments before you get to the tootsie roll center of the message? Joking aside for a sentence, the book is interspersed with enough intentional rhetoric that it undermines the serious substance. The rhetoric is good for a humorous read though.