Authoritarian Nightmare

Trump and His Followers

By: John W. Dean, Bob Altemeyer

Narrated by: Rick Adamson

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

How did America end up with a leader who acts so crudely and despotically, and counter to our democratic principles? Why do his followers stick with him, even when he acts against their interests?

To fully understand, John Dean, a man with a history of standing up to autocratic presidents, joins with Bob Altemeyer, a psychology professor with a unique area of expertise: authoritarianism.

Together, using psychological diagnostic tools, as well as exclusive research and analysis from the Monmouth University Polling Institute - one of America's most respected public opinion research foundations - the authors provide us with an eye-opening understanding of the Trump phenomenon...and what we may be able to do to stop it.

©2020 John W. Dean and Robert A. Altemeyer (P)2020 Kalorama

Well worth your time

Since 2015, I have been asking, “ why do people support Donald Trump?”. I have read several books in an effort to understand how we, as a citizenry, have arrived at this point in our history, to have a solid 35% of the public support a lying, autocratic-leaning, malignant narcissist.

These books have been insightful regarding our political system and the power brokers who moved us towards a Trumpian presidency. But none of these books explained WHY people support him.

This book, Authoritarian Nightmare, offers a deep dive into the personality traits and socioenvironmental contributors of those who follow/support/promote authoritarian leaders.

I listened to chapters 5-11, four times. I also looked up many of the referenced research. The book leaves this listener with a far better understanding of the “why”.

I have integrated this book’s information with the “how” books I have read which leads me to the astonishing conclusion that our democratic republic is in very serious, grave danger; basically at a tipping point of survival.

Chapter 12 includes a clarion call for citizens to be diligent in protecting our now-fragile democracy & to engage the youth of our nation to be active participants in our system of government. I completely agree.

Finally, I appreciated the sarcastic, humorous quips interspersed throughout the book as it periodically ‘broke’ the content’s grave nature.

I highly recommend this book.

Excellent explanation of why folks follow Trump

I wondered why folks still followed Trump given his horrible record and this book finally gave me the Answer and now it all makes sense. But it also makes me realize that this is a real problem for our democracy and it’s urgent. You must read this to find out what is at risk.

Essential reading

This book was something that kept me engaged from start to finish, something I did in just over two workdays. Originally intended to just break down the psychology of Trump supporters, it has now been published with two main parts... the latter half delving into the psychological breakdowns of the personality types that support politicians like Trump, while the first half gives the reader (or listener) a play-by-play of Trump's dealings with the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the social unrest that has plagued America, since the killing of George Floyd. This book paints a very clear picture of just how fragile our democracy is, and how can ultimately lose it if our current administration wins (or steals) a second term

Nail on the Head

I previously read Bob Altemeyer’s book “The Authoritarians” and was looking for more information on how it applied to the 2020 political environment. This book hits the nail on the head, correlating personality traits and tendencies with Trump, his appointees, and supporters. Next up is John Dean’s “Pure Goldwater”. I want to more fully understand those who disagree with me politically and socially, and I think this collection of books, and this book in particular, deliver.

Now Makes Sense

This book was the answer to the same dayem question I have asked myself over the last 4 years. 'why do people follow and support this dude when he constantly lies, wont listen to health authorities, and will be willing to sacrifice granny for the economy'. Good narrator. Solid book format. I hope more people find this book and take the time to absorb.

B&MGF: A free copy for every citizen

I wish if any one of our super-wealthy citizens could make it possible, for this book to be offered "Free Of Charge,"to any of us who cannot afford it. This book has the truth explained in its own unique way. That I believe has the power to save " The Freedom & our Democracy,," both are hanging by the last thread!!!

Essential Reading (Listening)

I have wracked my brain trying to understand how anyone can blindly follow an authoritarian leader; the real question we should be asking is why. This book does an amazing job at shedding light on the human capacity to blindly follow a leader who is not acting in the collective interest. Fascinating book.

Good information, too much sarcasm, could have been presented so much better.

I bought this audiobook on a recommendation from someone else. I was hoping that the research included would help me gain insight to better understand the psychology of what makes a person likely to follow Trump, and to be able to appreciate where others are coming from (because as a Christian woman, I am absolutely disgusted and in complete disbelief at the ways other Christians are backing this incompetent lunatic.)
While the book presents excellent information on the subject based on many quality studies over decades, there is just too much sarcasm added in to make the text feel anything but completely left-biased. As someone who IS left-biased, I was hoping for a more neutral perspective in the presentation, without the sarcasm that is trademark ‘what we are trying to avoid here’. I am disappointed, because this could have been so much better.

Making Sense of Fanatical Madness

Dean and Altemeyer do an excellent job of explaining the unfathomable non-rational nature of DT and his fanatical following. It is the best analysis I have read so far of the DT phenomenon and what it bodes for America's political future. It is fact-based and has a lucid narrative style that is easy to follow. I most highly recommend this book.

Science and data based assessments on trump supporters

Very well researched, very unbiased data in terms of using studies before AND after trump came along as well as studies done in other countries. If you want to understand trump supporters and the risk they pose to democracy, this is the book for you.

An illuminating read.

For all those who seek to understand a bizarre phenomenon of human behaviour, as self defeating as it is dangerous.

fantastic

my book of the year, what an insight on authoritarian followers and cult personality and groups.