Listen, Liberal

Or, What Ever Happened to the Party of the People?

By: Thomas Frank

Narrated by: Thomas Frank

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of What's the Matter with Kansas, a scathing look at the standard-bearers of liberal politics - a book that asks: What's the matter with Democrats?

It is a widespread belief among liberals that if only Democrats can continue to dominate national elections, if only those awful Republicans are beaten into submission, the country will be on the right course. But this is to fundamentally misunderstand the modern Democratic Party. Drawing on years of research and first-hand reporting, Frank points out that the Democrats have done little to advance traditional liberal goals: expanding opportunity, fighting for social justice, and ensuring that workers get a fair deal. Indeed, they have scarcely dented the free-market consensus at all. This is not for lack of opportunity: Democrats have occupied the White House for 16 of the last 24 years, and yet the decline of the middle class has only accelerated. Wall Street gets its bailouts, wages keep falling, and the free-trade deals keep coming.

With his trademark sardonic wit and lacerating logic, Frank lays bare the essence of the Democratic Party's philosophy and how it has changed over the years. A form of corporate and cultural elitism has largely eclipsed the party's old working-class commitment, he finds. For certain favored groups, this has meant prosperity. But for the nation as a whole, it is a one-way ticket into the abyss of inequality. In this critical election year, Frank recalls the Democrats to their historic goals - the only way to reverse the ever-deepening rift between the rich and the poor in America.

©2016 Thomas Frank (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

FDR will be missed.

reasoned and convincing arguments. Book offers little hope or solution clearly but does define the problem very well which is rare enough. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A must-read to understand political party failure

In a quest to understand what led to the failure of the Democratic Party, it is important to read this book. It's not enough just to read about what's wrong with the other side. You have to know both. This book makes the case that differentiation between the two parties has become nearly impossible based on their financial and business ties. Innovation will become the new codeword after you read this book.

Even if you have read this, LISTEN!

This is not only the most essential book of the year, but of the past 40 years.

Thomas Frank once again nails the exact source of the problem. The one not discussed on MSNBC or Fox News, that BOTH Parties' leadership have betrayed their membership. That Both Parties' establishments have become cults, the Cult of "Conservatism" and the Cult of "Meritocracy". That neither Party has any concern for the average American and see no role for the Public Sector, aka "The Government" to play in managing or protecting the People's interests.

I suspect that Frank's next book will chronicle the Great Awakening now beginning to coagulate amongst the masses against the elites. Every history book of the entire human story ends up where we are now, the status quo always over reaches, nescessity fathers invention, and a man name Guillotine become the most disruptive innovator of his time.

Truthful, accurate and timely assessment

Very salient points, nuanced yet repetitious and needed reading for any liberal minded person. Greed has become the sacred third rail that no political party challenges. The Republicans and Democratic Party each rationalize the wealthy elite within their ranks and swelling inequality. The media does nothing but support anti-intellectual, sensational nonsense guaranteed to sustain the status quo and on it goes. Frank understands and challenges us to break our denial.

Must read for progressive minded folks.

this read dispels any fantastical thoughts one might have regarding the DNC, Clinton's, Obama/Biden, liberals, neo liberals etc.
none of the above care about you or anyone not of proper pedigree.

Be a Citizen, be informed, vote. But only vote if properly informed, this read will help you.
#Bernie2020
#NoCenterUnity

Thank you, Thomas Frank

Those of us who criticize the Democrat party after observing for decades it’s hypocrisy and destructive neoliberal-fantasy-based policies create deserts of resources and despair can now rejoice that we are not the enemy. That the enemy is the lying liberal who is fully invested in cultural “war” with no actual labor-supporting policies that would materially make positive difference in a majority of Americans’ lives. The first step is indeed acknowledging the problem.

Great read

This book exposes the reality of the Democrats and their party. They have left the working class and only pretend to care about us.

Every Liberal should read

An important and timely book. Explains clearly how the Democratic Party has lost its soul. Does and excellent job of chronicling the Clinton years and the Obama Presidency. Excellent work for Progressives to use going forward.

How We Got Trump

Want to know how and why we got a President Trump? Then get this audiobook!

Well written and having a much-needed message

Incredibly relevant message that I can't help but think that the Democratic leadership will ignore come 2020.