POLITICAL SCIENCE

The Longest Con: How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism

St. Martin’s. Jul. 2024. 320p. ISBN 9781250621160. $30. POL SCI
COPY ISBN
Conason (editor in chief, The National Memo; Man of the World: The Further Endeavors of Bill Clinton) pulls no punches in this wide-ranging survey of right-wing political extremism in the United States. Starting with communist conspiracy theories and McCarthyism in the 1950s, the book traces the growing influence of Republican Party fringe groups and movements. For example, Conason finds a direct link from John Birch Society views to present-day paranoia about QAnon theories. The book weaves together significant threads in this progression: the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade; the Goldwater movement; the machinations of Richard Nixon’s presidential reelection campaign; the Reagan administration’s indictments; Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority; the Tea Party movement of the late aughts; and the rise of Trumpism. The roles of the church and right-wing media celebrities are also given attention. The final chapters focus on Trump’s business schemes and failures and the prevalent corruption throughout his presidency. Conason’s book is well researched, although it often reads like a series of in-depth magazine exposés as opposed to a cohesive work.
VERDICT A worthy addition to the growing body of literature about the current state of U.S. politics. Pairs well with Sarah Posner’s God’s Profits: Faith, Fraud and the Republican Crusade for Values Voters and Maggie Haberman’s Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?