The Big Con is a brilliantly revealing look at how the radical ideas of a small group of economic hucksters have taken over the American political system and perverted our nation's policies. American politics has been hijacked. Not by "neocons" or "theocons," but by a fringe group of economic extremists obsessed with radical ideas that favor no one but themselves and their business interests. With dark and engaging wit, Jonathan Chait shows how over the past three decades these canny zealots have gamed the political system and the media so that once unthinkable policies—without a shred of academic, expert, or even popular support—now drive the American agenda, regardless of which party is in power. Why have these ideas succeeded in Washington? How did a subset of fringe radicals take control of American policy and sell short the country's future? And how do they continue to do so despite repeated electoral setbacks? Chait tells the outrageous and eye-opening story, expertly explaining just how politics and economics work in Washington. Through vivid portraits of self-interested politicians and pseudoeconomists, with wry analysis of their bogus theories, Chait gives us the tools to understand what's really behind economic policy debates in Washington: a riveting drama of greed and deceit.
Download and start listening now!
"I found it to be more balanced than other books I've read on the subject. Also I really did enjoy and found the history of the republican conservative movement quite insightful." — Surfing (4 out of 5 stars)
"I found it to be more balanced than other books I've read on the subject. Also I really did enjoy and found the history of the republican conservative movement quite insightful."
“Riveting…Highly readable.”
Chait is both very serious and seriously funny as he traces the rise of conservatism over the past thirty years.
“From beginning to end, Drummond’s consistency of tone and emphasis makes a lasting, positive impression.”
“Chait is both very serious and seriously funny as he traces the rise of conservatism over the past thirty years.”
“Who says economic policy has to be dry? [Chait] brings a lively wit and a limpid style to the topic.”
“Jonathan Chait has written a classic of political journalism…Prepare to be shocked.”
" This is a must-read for every American. Even more relevant now that our tanking economy is proving the thesis of the book. "
" Really awesome so far. This is guy is like Paul Krugman, only wittier. "
" Great; but honestly the "acknowledgements" page is the truly moving part of the book. "
" Surprisingly readable discussion of the issues and problems with "supply-side" economics and how an unsupported economic theory is now driving republican part policy. "
" Great overview of how America is getting fucked in the ass by the right. "
Jonathan Chait is the senior editor at the New Republic and writes the magazine’s signature TRB column. He is a contributing editor to the Los Angeles Times and has written for the New York Times, the New York Times Magazine, the Washington Post, the Atlantic Monthly, the Wall Street Journal, Slate, American Prospect, Commentary, Washington Monthly, and Reason. He lives in Washington, DC.
David Drummond has made his living as an actor for over twenty-five years, appearing on stages large and small throughout the country and in Seattle, Washington, his hometown. He has narrated over thirty audiobooks, in genres ranging from current political commentary to historical nonfiction, fantasy, military, thrillers, and humor. He received an AudioFile Earphones Award for his first audiobook, Love ’Em or Lose ’Em: Getting Good People to Stay. When not narrating, he keeps busy writing plays and stories for children.
Audiobooks Were Restored to Your Cart
[ShoppingCartItemsAddedOnMerge] audiobook(s) were left in your cart from a previous visit, and saved to your account for your convenience. You may view or remove these audiobooks on the shopping cart page.