Description
Book SynopsisA veteran political analyst examines the forces that led to the rise of the current form of populism and considers their continuing influence on the future of American politics. What political, social, and cultural forces led to the election of President Donald Trump? Political analyst Bradford R. Kane explores ten dynamics of American politics and society that played a role in the 2016 presidential election and continue to exert an influence on current politics. The author examines both the present impact of the Trump presidency and the future trajectories of the trends that brought Trump to power. Some of these dynamics have deep historical roots, such as the cultural divide between those who define our national identity in terms of rugged individualism versus those who emphasize community collectivism. The author notes that these opposing viewpoints helped craft our national identity as far back as the 1700s. He also considers the effect of changing demographics, such as the trend that points to the emergence of a new majority composed of combined minority groups, which will have a profound effect on community relations and politics. Kane foresees a return to established policy processes and governing principles after the Trump presidency, as opposed to rule based on the president's personal interests. He anticipates greater empowerment of the electorate as more demographic groups are increasingly enfranchised. Kane also forecasts the potential impact of recent developments on the 2020 election and beyond. Other topics discussed are the role of the media, accountability, globalization, the future of bipartisanship, and more. This astute analysis by a veteran government insider will help Americans understand recent events and provides a roadmap for navigating the future political landscape.
Trade Review“Pitchfork Populism puts Trump’s pernicious impact on American politics and society into historical, political, and societal context, using a frame of ten forces that make his impact on America easier to understand and to counter.” —Norman Ornstein, resident scholar, American Enterprise Institute, and coauthor of One Nation After Trump: A Guide for the Perplexed, the Disillusioned, the Desperate, and the Not-Yet-Deported
“Rich in detail and analysis, Bradford Kane reprises the trail of political broken glass that leads to the present and reminds us that our principles and national identity are at stake and should not be corrupted by pitchfork populism.” —Vint Cerf, internet pioneer, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist for Google, and former member of the National Science Board
“Each nation creates a myth of its ideal identity. America promotes the myth of a transcendent philosophical cohesion in our origins and historic coexistence. Bradford Kane begs to differ. In this profound and persuasive book, Kane digs deep into America’s history and traces the split personality of a nation that purports to be one that has emerged from the many.” —William S. Cohen, Former Secretary of Defense.
“If you—like all of us—are asking yourself, What the hell is going on in America? then you need to read this book. In it, Bradford Kane has summarized the ten dynamics and trends that are reshaping American politics. Whether you like President Trump or disapprove of him, you will benefit from understanding the forces evolving in our country. Only then can we the people have the wisdom and courage to direct these forces toward a better America.” —Leon E. Panetta, chairman, Panetta Institute for Public Policy, and former White House Chief of Staff
“As the pace of change accelerates, and as multiple forces converge to create a disorienting and confounding context for public discourse, it is important that someone asks us to pause, study the runaway currents, and reflect from the vantage point of our history and values. Bradford Kane has done precisely that. As a clear-eyed observer of our national predicaments, he helps us find our own answers to crucial questions: Why is this happening? Where are we headed? And what can we do?” —Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, former mayor of San Antonio, and co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Commission and Immigration Task Force
