Description
Book SynopsisSamuel Popkin applies his extensive experience with presidents and presidential campaigns to provide a lively, extensively researched story of the contemporary Republican Party. He shows how reforms intended to take corporate money out of political parties ended up crippling party leadership, rendering them unable to cope with a new political landscape. In their stead, the machinations of billionaires pursuing pet issues and "purity for profit" activists thrived. AsPopkin lays bare, party rebels such as Ted Cruz exploited these forces to block immigration and healthcare reform, opening the door for Trump's election.
Trade ReviewWhat the hell happened to the GOP? Is something just as destructive in store for the Democratic Party? The answers Popkin offers-part post-mortem, part prescription - are as shrewd as they are urgent. * Jill Lepore, author of These Truths *
Crackup brilliantly confirms why Popkin is one of the most respected political observers of our time. Not only a keen, precise explanation of how Washington unraveled, this is a thrilling examination of overlooked decisions and hidden dramas. I started highlighting the text and gave up because every page is overflowing with insights, analysis, and detail. This book is permanently installed on my desk. * Evan Osnos, Staff Writer, The New Yorker *
Popkin performs two distinct and important services in his book. First, in a thoughtful narrative with which I agree completely, he provides a much-needed corrective to the failure to understand the critical omnipresence of well-functioning political parties to the success of democratic government. Second, he provides a logical, well-argued explanation of why the system is malfunctioning with which I differ, and which I welcome. * Barney Frank, former member of the US House of Representatives *
Popkin writes with verve and good humor, knows a whole lot about politics, and is gifted at mobilizing a good story to make a point. If you are like me, you will disagree with him in fundamental ways but still appreciate the ride Popkin takes you on - and know you'd enjoy arguing with him late into the night. * E.J. Dionne Jr, author of Code Red *
Popkin, one of the nation's foremost scholars of elections, has written an indispensable book explaining the conflicts within the Republican Party that led to the election of Trump. No one is better equipped to describe this history of collapse, and he does so with rigor and grace. * Thomas B. Edsall, Contributing Opinion Writer, The New York Times *
Popkin's brilliant book could not be more timely. Crackup masterfully diagnoses the descent of the Republican Party from 'comity to carnage,' while reminding us that no political party is immune to the dynamics of breakdown. * Sarah Binder, Professor, George Washington University *
Popkin artfully traces the financial consequences of McCain-Feingold and Citizens United. He has written an important book on an important topic and it should be read by anyone interested in contemporary American politics. * Mathew D. McCubbins, Professor, Duke University *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter One: The Last Republican President Chapter Two: Young Guns and Billionaires Chapter Three: Ted Cruz Crashes the Party Chapter Four: The Great Wall of Mexico Chapter Five: Strongmen Don't Pivot Chapter Six: The Republicans Pivot Chapter Seven: Conclusion--What Can Be Done? Notes Bibliography Index
