Why Americans Hate Politics by E. J. Dionne

From the Publisher

From the New, Updated Introduction:

"At the heart of Why Americans Hate Politics is the view that ideas shape politics far more than most accounts of public life usually allow. I believe ideas matter not only to elites and intellectuals, but also to rank and file voters. Indeed, I often think that the rank and file see the importance of ideas more clearly than the elites, who often find themselves surprised by the rise of the movements that arise from the bottom up and shape our politics."

Publishers Weekly

This National Book Award nominee is a valuable analysis of the major ideological currents in American politics over the last 30 years. (May)

Library Journal

Washington Post journalist Dionne argues that American liberal and conservative ideologies since the 1960s have presented the public with false choices, preventing the framing of issues in ways that are conducive to their resolution. He calls for a ``new political center'' that incorporates some ideas of both the political left and right. He also demands recognition of the importance of the principle of ``republicanism,'' which he defines as including an acceptance of a largely market economy and a healthy, vital public sphere. Whether one accepts Dionne's premise that Americans hate politics or his prescription for curing that condition, the book is a valuable analysis of the major ideological currents in American politics over the last 30 years. Both informed lay readers and academics with an interest in political ideologies will find it stimulating. Recommended for public and university libraries.-- Thomas H. Ferrell, Univ. of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents