The End of White Politics

How to Heal Our Liberal Divide

By: Zerlina Maxwell

Narrated by: Kylah Frye

An MSNBC political analyst and former Hillary Clinton staffer examines the past and present problems of the Left—and makes a compelling case for how to take back our government and secure a better future for America.

In the entire history of the United States of America, we've never elected a woman as our president. And we've only had one president who was not a white man.

After working on two presidential campaigns (for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton), MSNBC political analyst and SiriusXM host Zerlina Maxwell gained first-hand knowledge of everything liberals have been doing right over the past few elections-and everything they are still doing wrong. Ultimately, these errors worked in President Donald Trump's favor in 2016; he effectively ran a campaign on white identity politics, successfully tapping into white male angst and resistance. In 2020, after the Democratic Party's most historically diverse pool of presidential candidates finally dwindled down to Joe Biden, once again an older white man, Maxwell has posed the ultimate question: what now, liberals?

Fueled by Maxwell's trademark wit and candor, The End of White Politics dismantles the past and present problems of the Left, challenging everyone from scrappy, young "Bernie Bros" to seasoned power players in the "Billionaire Boys' Club." No topic is taboo; whether tackling the white privilege that enabled Mayor Pete Buttigieg's presidential run, the controversial #HashtagActivism of the Millennial generation, the massive individual donations that sway politicians toward maintaining the status quo of income inequality, or the lingering racism that debilitated some Democratic presidential contenders and cut their promising campaigns short, Maxwell pulls no punches in her fierce critique. However, underlying all of these individual issues, Maxwell argues that it's the "liberal-minded" party's struggle to engage women and communities of color-and its preoccupation with catering to the white, male working class—that threatens to be its most lethal shortfall.

The times—and the demographics—are changing, and in order for progressive politics to prevail, we must acknowledge our shortcomings, take ownership of our flaws, and do everything in our power to level the playing field for all Americans. The End of White Politics shows exactly how and why progressives can lean into identity politics, empowering marginalized groups, and uniting under a common vision that will benefit us all.

***TIME, 100 Must-Read Books of 2020!***

"Witty and piercing."
—TIME

Critic reviews

*TIME, "Best New Books of July"*
*O MAGAZINE, "Best Books of August 2020"*
*Ms. Magazine, "July 2020 Reads for the Rest of Us"*
*Fortune, "7 New Books to Read in July"*
*Project Censored, "Summer Reading List (2020)"*
*LibroFM, "Hot New Releases"*

"With a style that is as infectious as it is cogent and accessible, the author outlines and defends her recommendations and strategies so thoroughly that the only possible dissent is a willful disregard for the future of not just the Democratic Party, but the future of all but the most privileged Americans."—Kirkus, Starred Review

"Maxwell has produced a worthwhile blueprint for a party that seems to have lost its way."—Booklist

"[This book shows exactly how] uniting under a common vision... will benefit us all."—New Books Network

"As an analysis of the current state of America's political system, The End of White Politics - How to Heal Our Liberal Divide is an important book that reads like the future, like an awakening, like common sense. Written with passion and commitment, Zerlina Maxwell presents her argument persuasively and unapologetically, and with enough anecdotes to lift it above the political thesis."—Manhattan Book Review

"[This] book aims to confront the inherent whiteness at the heart of America's politics on both sides of the aisle... [it is] so current and immediate and gripping that reading it feels like someone let Maxwell peek at summer 2020's headlines before she sat down to write it."—Glamour

"In her classic truth-telling, no-holds-barred style, Zerlina flips the 'identity politics' debate on its head, laying out why Democrats should reject the notion that it's a politics of social division, and instead embrace it as a bridge to social cohesion and inclusion. The book underscores a powerful truth: centering the voices and experiences of those too long marginalized in our politics--including women of color and particularly black women--will not only strengthen our democracy, it will win elections."—Maya L. Harris, civil rights advocate, former seniorpolicy advisor to Hillary Clinton, and author of Women of Color: A GrowingForce in the American Electorate

Exceptional and timely work

Loved it! While most have spoken of the end of black politics, few have examined in-depth the contours of white identity politics in the functioning of American democracy. By examining the political anthropology of white political culture in the United States, pathbreaking political thought leader and veteran campaign consultant Zerlina Maxwell has hit a policy and political homerun with this major work. This book should be read by both the Democratic and Republican party leadership as model blueprint for how to shape a more robust and inclusive 21st century Multicultural politics in our nation.

Great Premise and Start, but didn't deliver

Maxwell has a keen grasp of coming demographic tsunami, didn't complete intersection of identity groups

2024 update

Sad to see this book didn't affect the democratic party. Today. 4 years later we have an super old white man not willing to let go, even when he can hardly walk or speak. The oligarchy remains in place. in full control and perhaps even stronger, all still happening while our tax dollars are use to kill thousands of brown people in Gaza and the old white man goes there to kiss and hug the main killer. The democratic party has changed, but not for the better .

Excellent, Forward Thinking Insight BEFORE Voting

Outstanding Political Scientist, Zerlina Maxwell, delivers a powerful perspective of how outdated Democratic approaches to building an expanding, diverse electorate is losing ground that may never be recovered. Each generation changes and the Democratic Leadership can't afford to limit its outreach and focus on yesterdays liberals that can't see the value of new generations and their needs. This book should be on everyone's immediate reading list prior to voting. Be informed and armed with new knowledge and perspective to ensure your voice and vote are cast for the right issues and candidates.

The Playbook for Winning Elections in a Diverse America

Zerlina Maxwell does an outstanding job of breaking down the issues that affect, not only our politics, but the politics on the Democratic side specifically. She addresses the ever increasingly diverse population of our country and why it’s necessary to speak to those unique groups and not just center the politics around Whites alone. Very well written. A great read whether you’re a lover of politics or just interested in learning more about how our system works.