Frank, Barney
9780300267341, 0300267347
Hardcover
 
A bold assessment of America’s populist turn—and a roadmap for rebuilding faith in liberal democracy
 
In his final book, former Congressman Barney Frank offers a timely analysis of how liberals in the United States and other democracies lost support to xenophobic populism—and how they can find their way back. He argues that this shift stems from two critical failures of the Left: first, ignoring rising economic inequality, and second, failing to disassociate itself from the politically toxic social agenda of “the left wing of the left wing’s left”—especially on immigration, policing, and sexual identity. These errors led many voters to believe that the Left was either indifferent or hostile to their interests.
 
Combining history and policy insight with his characteristic humor, Frank offers a strategic path toward reclaiming a just and democratic future by decreasing economic inequality and addressing social problems without alienating the majority of voters.
 
Barney Frank delivers a sharp, engaging account of how economic inequality and political missteps fueled America’s populist surge—and outlines practical steps to restore public trust in liberal democracy. This is a clear, witty guide to understanding and confronting today’s political crisis.