Why the Right Went Wrong

Conservatism from Goldwater to the Tea Party and Beyond

De: E. J. Dionne Jr.

Narrado por: Mike Chamberlain

Why the Right Went Wrong offers a historical view of the right since the 1960s. Its core contention is that American conservatism and the Republican Party took a wrong turn when they adopted Barry Goldwater's worldview during and after the 1964 campaign. Since 1968, no conservative administration could live up to the rhetoric rooted in the Goldwater movement that began to reshape American politics 50 years ago. The collapse of the Nixon presidency led to the rise of Ronald Reagan, the defeat of George H. W. Bush, and Newt Gingrich's revolution. Bush initially undertook a partial modernization, preaching "compassionate conservatism". Conservatives quickly defined him as an advocate of "big government" and not conservative enough on spending, immigration, education, and Medicare. A return to the true faith was the only prescription on order. The result was the Tea Party.

The state of the Republican Party, controlled by the strictest base, is diminished, E. J. Dionne, Jr. writes. It has become white and older in a country that is no longer that. It needs to come back to life for its own health and that of the country, and in Why the Right Went Wrong, he explains how.

©2016 E. J. Dionne, Jr. (P)2016 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"An important pundit delivers a thorough exegesis of the stubborn recurrence of the fringe right wing...." ( Kirkus)

Interesting food for thought in this political season.

I am a republican, which is a cause for great angst in this political season. The conservative movement that I have been a part of my whole life has become more and more radical and has moved further from where I stand than ever before. This has been epitomized by the nomination of Trump as our party's standard bearer. This has caused me to seriously consider leaving the party. This book does have the flavor of a liberal writer, but he gives the reader a heads up to this early on in the book. While I don't agree with all of his points, the basic fundamentals of the book are sound. This is definitely something that Republicans need to heed, before they are left with nothing but the most extreme in the party, and die out.

Full of interesting insights

While many on the right would not agree with the conclusions of the author, he offers many interesting insights and observations about the course of the right wing of the Republican Party in the last 50 or so years. I found it interesting, fascinating, and well read. Worth anybody's time who is interested in the history and evolution of the American political system in the years since Eisenhower.

a view of conservative politics from a journalist

helpful in getting an idea why non-politicians are attractive to the 2016 conservative voter base

Outstanding, refreshing, inspiring

This book gives voice with superb eloquence to our yearnings - those of us not indoctrinated by the loudest voices - for a return to the political virtues that paved (literally) the way for America's greatness and successes we enjoy today. Required reading for Republicans who like me wish to leave a legacy of more than blocked roads for our children.

The Long Road to the Attack on our Democracy

the evolution of this long road to the potential end of our 250 years of representative government of by and for the people to a cabal of Money Grabbing Fascist Wannabes told in disgusting detail that lead to Trump!!!