The Argument: Inside the Battle to Remake Democratic Politics
Matt Bai
Penguin
Over the last five to eight years, a progressive left political movement has been growing in the U.S. These days you can feel it when you walk down the street and Obama ’08 signs and buttons abound. One might think the country has simply had enough of the right-wing politics of the Bush/Cheney administration, but in The Argument, by Matt Bai, a political writer for the NY Times magazine, gives you a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how the left has re-claimed its share of the American political debate.
Bai travels across the country tracing the steps of Howard Dean with his 50-state approach, Moveon.org, and their house parties, and the liberal blogosphere that fostered an environment for progressives to flush out their grassroots movements. He provides insight into exactly how the left took back the fight, where it started, and exactly for what they’re fighting for.
After reading this book, you’ll know why Barack Obama disposed of Hillary Clinton and her out-dated centrism in the Democratic primary and is leading Jon McCain in the polls. It’s not just a pendulum swinging back and forth from left to right that controls American politics, it’s a concerted effort by interests on both sides to frame the debate and influence the outcome of elections.
—Marc Amigone
